BY MARK McKELVEY
AMERICAN epileptologists are going to every possible length to ensure they pinpoint the exact cause of Billy Caldwell's severe condition as they search for a cure.
Following the initial 3 Tesla MRI scan and Video EEG when Billy first arrived in Chicago in mid-September, doctors have carried out the tests for a second time last week to corroborate their first diagnosis that there is an epileptic focal point in the occipital region of Billy's brain that, if removed, would mean Billy could live his life seizure free.
Billy's consultant Dr Douglas Nordli also took advantage of a relatively new diagnostic machine that records the magnetic activity in the brain called a MEG test and is currently awaiting the results. There is only 20 such machines in the world, ten of which are in the USA, highlighting once again that Billy is in the foremost location to receive the optimum level of care and treatment.
To ensure that their diagnosis is 100% correct and that there are no other points of the brain sparking off epileptic activity, it is essential to observe Billy's brain activity during a seizure. In order to capture this essential information, Billy was fitted with a portable EEG machine on Tuesday that will be recording all his electrical brain activity for the next four to five days.
Billy's mother Charlotte said this week, "Hopefully this will show that the cause of Billy's epilepsy is isolated to one area so that they are able to operate. If that is the decision Dr Nordli has told me this is a relatively safe area of the brain to operate on which is really comforting.
"It is now a matter of waiting to see what this shows, but thankfully this portable option is available so that we can return to our nearby apartment and not have to spend five days in the hospital."
Charlotte again praised the level of care and attention that she and Billy have received since they arrived in Chicago.
"The tests in the past week have gone really well. Everyone has been really attentive going that extra step to help Billy as they have really taken his story to their hearts," she said.
"Dr Nordli is being so careful and thorough, doing everything he possibly can so that we are going in the right direction, it is amazing to see and I am positive that my convictions to bring him to the Chicago Memorial Hospital were correct."
It is still yet unknown how long Billy will need to stay in America but it will probably be in the region of six months to a year, even if the prognosis is surgery, so he can receive a co-ordinated rehabilitation programme.
A recent multi-disciplinary meeting was held to discuss Billy's case with a dietician, speech therapist, occupational therapist and social worker coming together to prepare a programme for Billy, services they said should have started when he was six months old.
Even though Billy is out of sight Charlotte is asking please don't let him fall from people's minds as the Billy's Ray Of Hope campaign continues.
"All of Billy's family and friends are overwhelmed and are so appreciative of all the generous contributions that have been given so far," thanked Charlotte. "Now that we have the hope that we travelled so far for, I would ask for the support to please continue."
For information on how to donate and to keep up-to-date with Billy's battle log onto www.billysrayofhope.com
