Neural Plasticity

Matt's first year of life was filled with the usual examinations and inoculations of a typical baby, and additional tests, examinations, procedures leading up to his heart surgery, and then follow up tests, examinations and procedures following his heart surgery.

Because of the complications in connection with his heart surgery and the seizures that followed, it was recommended that Matt have a sedated MRI to determine the extent of his brain damage. We saw the neurologist to discuss the results of the MRI.

September 11, 2001 is a date that most Americans will remember with sadness. For me, the day before, September 10, 2001, is a date I'll always remember with joy. The neurologist told us on that date that the MRI had detected no permanent brain damage. Oh happy days!!

We knew that he experienced oxygen deprivation during/following surgery and the neurologist was fairly sure that he also experienced oxygen deprivation in utero/at delivery. Poor little guy was dealt some pretty hard cards BUT it could have been so much worse. He did not have any permanent brain damage.

The neurologist explained due to neural plasticity - the brain's amazing ability to change and rewire itself - that no one knew what Matt would ultimately be able to do. We all knew he'd be delayed and would have a tough road ahead - but no one knew what the end of the path would be.

I had my mission in front of me - to help Matt rewire his brain. It is a task we are still working on to this day!