Tyler got to ride in an MRI today...
As if to remind us that he is still driving this bus, Tyler decided to change direction today. We have been monitoring the swelling in his brain pretty closely. We knew there was some bleeding that appears to be stopped now. Once the bleeding ends we faced the second phase which is where the ventricles swell up. This is often because the blood clots block the passages that allow fluid to drain into the spinal column. (For those who like to follow the medical side it's called Post Hemorrhagic Ventricular Dilation).
Yesterdays head ultrasound indicated more swelling. Today he started having lots of Apnea and got really lethargic. Both are signs of increased swelling in the brain. The MRI data is making the rounds around the neurosurgery department tonight and we will have a meeting tomorrow to work up the battle plan. Tyler is now on a brain-targeted diuretic which may help him re-absorb the fluid on his own, It's considered a long-shot with low risk. Another possibility is surgery to install a shunt. Because Tyler's brain is rather flexible and un-formed most of the risk comes from complications of the various systems of reducing the pressure not from the swelling itself. In theory the swelling shouldn't cause log-term damage and the bleeding has done all the damage it will do. As long as we can vent the pressure somehow without causing any other issues we should be in good shape.
Tyler was rather responsive when we went in tonight. He was looking around and tracking sounds well. Thanks to a recent thunder storm that took out utility power the lights were out and he had an easier time looking around in the lower light. His color is good and other than being lethargic he's our normal Tyler. I would note it looks like he has one hell of a hangover right now.
We were assured that if Tyler was in immediate danger he would already be in surgery. Tomorrow we meet with the Neurology and Neonatology teams and make the plan.
More as we get it.
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