On December 1, 2014 Brennan was scheduled for an MRI at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis. Thursday December 4th, we received a call from our pediatrician that the MRI results were received from Children's and they found that Brennan had Chiari Malformation. At this time the pediatrician contacted the Neurology Department at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital to set up a game plan. Grandma and Grandpa Curry visited on Friday December 5th and we noticed that Brennan started to stutter while talking and we were concerned since he has never done that before. We advised our pediatrician of the recent stuttering problems that Brennan had. Naturally he was concerned so he contacted Cardinal Glennon and advised them of the recent activity with Brennan. We received a phone call from Cardinal Glennon on Tuesday December 9th stating that they had an opening for December 11 with Dr. Geller, Neurologist. We took the appointment and went over there today. At the appointment Dr. Geller confirmed that Brennan did have Chiari Malformation. He stated that his brain stem is falling out of his skull and pressing against his spinal canal. The brain stem is not allowing his spinal fluid to circulate properly and would need surgery. The doctor stated that this surgery is not an emergency but it is something that will need to be done. During the visit the doctor checked all of Brennan's motor skills and asked numerous questions on the milestones that Brennan has had up to this point, ie: when was Brennan first able to use a spoon to eat, when did he first craw, walk, run. At this time the doctor sent a referral to a Neurosurgeon and a referral for an ABR, Audio Brainstem Response test. We do not have the two appointments scheduled as of today.
So yes it is true that Brennan's brain is so big that even his big ole' head can not contain it! Chiari Malformation is not a common problem. It is considered to be a birth defect. The doctors were happy that we found the problem soon and they stated that they usually do not see the symptoms that Brennan is having until the patient is older and starts growing. The doctor stated that usually one surgery is needed to correct the problem.
We ask that prayers are sent to the good Lord above to put his protective hand over Brennan and his family during this time. With His help I know that we will get through the surgery and recovery.
Philippians 4:13 says " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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