Neurologist Visit

I was very pleased with the neurologist who saw Lulu the other day at Nemours. After reviewing the CT scan she had in China 2 years ago, he feels she possibly had a stroke while she was in utero, versus any head trauma during or after birth, or a genetic abnormality. Of course, he doesn't know that for sure, but he ordered a few tests that may give us some answers. We are being referred to a hematologist to make sure she doesn't have a blood clotting disorder. If she does, then there's a possibility that she could have another stroke (unlikely but possible), a referral to a cardiologist for an ultrasound of her heart, and an MRI that will show certain blood vessels that a CT scan doesn't. As far as we know, Lulu has not had any seizures, but there's always a possibility that she can have one. The neurologist said it's nothing to be afraid of (ha!) and he gave us a handout of what we should do if one happens.

He was very impressed with how good her mobility is considering the results he read on the CT scan. Due to neural plasticity of the brain and her young age, she has already made a lot of progress, and should continue to do so with PT, OT, and her own persistence and tenacity. She amazes me every day with how much she tries to use her right hand. She always makes sure we notice and we give her a ton of praise. There is no mention of 'rehab' in China in her paperwork although there was a part of the orphanage that provided rehab. Someone mentioned to me that 'PT' in orphanages are painful and they do it until the children cry. If that's the case, which I hope it's not, I wonder if she's wondering why we're not pushing her more. When I do encourage her to use the right arm and hand, she always does and is proud of it. I only see the weakness in her right leg when she tries to ride a bike with training wheels or a tricycle. Her right foot continuously slips off. I need to get a strap to make it easier for her. She does have a minor gait abnormality but it is so subtle. She doesn't seem as clumsy as she did when we first came home. We've been going to the park several times a week, and I can already see that climbing on some of the bars is getting easier for her. We don't start PT and OT until July. I know she will do great and I'm looking forward to the pediatric therapists' input and advice of what I should have her do (other than what we're already doing) at home.