Owen visited the Child Development Center at Vanderbilt yesterday. We met with Dr. Lawrence who watched and video taped Owen for about an hour. I will spare you with the small details, but all in all Owen passed the cognitive (mental processes that includes: attention, memory, producing and understanding language, learning, reasoning, problem solving) test with a 97%.There is no doubt he is a smart kiddo!
The motor skills portion of the test he did not do so well on. As close as he seems to walking, he just can not balance himself. When he tries to take steps, he veers off-course or falls immediately. Standing alone has been done a few times, but it is not consistent. Dr. Lawrence observed this. She says there is definitely some reason for concern. She ordered an MRI for Owen. Her words were "I do not take MRIs lightly, but I feel this is a must." Owen will have to be sedated for this procedure. We do not have our appointment yet. I am waiting to hear back from Vanderbilt.
Dr. Lawrence also ordered physical therapy for Owen. She stated that he had poor muscle tone and was "floppier" than most kids. I will be giving this referral to our TEIS therapist so we can set up a schedule.
While Owen was being watching by the doctor, he also did something else that alarmed her. While in the sitting position, he fell backwards without trying to stop himself. It was almost as if he did not know he was falling. This is not the first time he has done this. Just a few nights ago he was sitting on the floor watching Elmo, and fell back hitting his head on the floor. He didn't cry. He just laid there until I picked him up. Again, it was as if he was completely unaware. Dr. Lawrence wants Owen to have an EEG test administered as well. This test is for seizure activity. In my heart I do not think Owen has seizures. However, if it is a possibility, then we will test to be sure.
On top of this, Owen's ear infection is back. We visited Dr. Brady after the development appointment. He was given a prescription for Amoxicillin. I hope this works. Why are these infections coming back?!? The tube is still hidden by infection so it is not known if it is even working properly. We will get this straightened out I'm sure.
I get discouraged, of course. I think I have been more upset about this report than any others we have gotten. I wanted so badly for the doctor to say nothing was wrong. Nonetheless, Owen is in GREAT spirits. His activity level is high, he is sleeping great, and eating seems to be picking up.
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