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Suggest Treatment For Toxic Leukoencephalopathy
Question: My 22 year son had been in ICU for three weeks and was diagnosed with toxic leukoencephalopathy. We had a meeting with the neurologist today to discuss the MRI and XXXX lack of responsiveness. We had ia family meeting one week ago and they recommend XXXXXXX be taken off life support. His reasons are: new MRI shows majority percent of white matter is affected and there appears to be necropathy. XXXXXXX also tracks with eyes but does not obey commands. He also stated we can probably keep his heart going but there would in his opinion be any type of recovery or life going forward for XXXXXXX We are devastated and surprised as we thought we would be given at least six weeks to look for signs of improvement. He has been off fluids and foods for five days and is being given comfort measures only. Do you have any suggestions based on the fact that we know India has many cases like this bit in a Canada we have very few.
Brief Answer:
revival is difficult with neuropathy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the query and understood your concern.
I feel sorry for your son's condition. Yes we have seen patients with similar conditions. Majority of patients cannot be reviewed. Since already signs of neuropathy is present the chance is very less.
Neuronal damage is parmanent damage and hence there won't be complete recovery and the neurological sequel will be present. At this point only comfort measures can be given maintaining vitals.
Hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask any further queries and I will be glad to answer them.
Wish your son faster recovery and good health.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The Doctor in Canada wants to end his life because they feel the white matter Damage is so severe that no recovery is possible. Has it been your experience that cases like XXXXXXX see no recovery? Please read the timelines I have provided. We are now week four since entry into hospital.
Brief Answer:
irreversible brain damage. difficult to revive
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
With the white matter so much damage the chance of reviving is very less and if revived also he cannot lead his own life. That's why your doctor has told to ends his life by removing life support.
Also brain neurons death is permanent unlike other tissue like skin etc. So the control to many of his functions including vitals might have lost by this time. So in my opinion your doctor has conveyed the right message.
I hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask any further questions.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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