Hello everyone,

Braden needs our help!

Creating this page in order to assist my brother who is struggling with neurological symptoms. At this point we unfortunately are left with more questions than answers but from my discussions with Braden and family, this is the summary of events so far.

On 7/9/21 Braden started to experience some right sided numbness and tingling that progressed significantly throughout the weekend. By Monday he could not lift his right leg, his right arm strength was gone, and his speech was impaired. He presented to the ED and the doctors immediately performed a CT scan to check for a stroke. They also performed a variety of tests ( ekg, bloodwork, ect ) that all came back normal, including the CT. Next the docs performed a CT with angiography so that they could better see if there was obstruction of a vessel in his brain. This also appeared to be normal. Next came the MRI which is where we begin to see the damage. Upon initial review, the ER doc pointed out 2 significant infarctions on the left side of his brain stem. He described them as major highway roadblocks inhibiting Braden's ability to move. The term infarction was a bit confusing, it basically means that bloodflow was disrupted to that area of the brain leading to tissue death. However, it wasn't a result of bleeding or a clot ( stroke). So if it wasn't a stroke what was it? Stroke wasn't necessarily completely ruled out but It was certainly time to see a neurologist and Braden was transferred to Mankato. The neurologist reviewed the MRI and found 3 more lesions in his mid brain suggestive of a chronic disease. Turns out that these lesions are likely associated with struggles Braden has delt with in the past. Last year Braden had difficulty with writing and basically had to reteach his brain. Previously he has had visual disturbances suggestive of optic neuritis. With this information, the possibility of multiple sclerosis was now on the table. Still the doctors fervently did not want to rule anything out. Next Braden endured another barrage of testing including multiple echocardiograms and a spinal tap. They started him on a 5 day course of high dose corticosteroids which, although uncomfortable, seemed to help. Braden kept his spirits high, constantly practicing his hand strength and dexterity. He would not give up on walking and took his first couple steps with a walker on Tuesday 7/13. The neurologists started to lean towards MS but this diagnosis is fairly involved and takes time. Additionally there are aspects to Bradens case that seem to pull in multiple directions. Braden was discharged Monday 7/19 with a leg brace, walker, glasses, and the burden of the unknown.

We have scheduled an appointment with the best neurologist at the mayo clinic in Rochester 8/5/21. Hopefully Braden will be able to find some answers and attain further treatment and recovery. In the meantime Braden will stay busy with outpatient physical and occupational therapy. It is pretty inspiring how positive Braden has remained through all of this and how determined he is to getting back to baseline. I talked to Braden last night and he was a bit choked up and blown away by the overwhelming amount of well wishes, support, and check-ins over the past week. Although he may have a major roadblock in his brain stem, we would like to minimize barriers to recovery such as finances. If it is MS, those medications are crazy expensive. I'm sure his medical bills at this point are significant. If you would like to chip in a little to help get him started I think it would reduce his stress and anxiety level tremendously!

Thank you!