Just over two weeks ago Eagles DT Mike Patterson collapsed during practice and experienced a seizure on the field. Sooner after he was diagnosed with a brain AVM. Read more on that here. However, after going through a battery of tests and speaking with doctors Patterson has been cleared to play football.
"It most definitely is an AVM [arteriovenus malformation]." Patterson said, "I have to get it taken care of eventually, but there is no big risk right now. I don’t have to worry about it. The good thing is I’m still talking to doctors and figuring out how to take care of it, but there is no risk as far as football is concerned so I’m happy about that."
This was not a decision made lightly either. According to Eagles head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder, no less than four doctors signed off Patterson being safe to return.
"Before he returned to practice today, over the last eight to ten days, he has physically seen three AVM specialists, and had his studies sent to another one. All four of those physicians have dealt with Mike, his family, [Team Internist] Dr. [Gary] Dorshimer, and Mike also saw a seizure specialist here in Philadelphia. Right now he was cleared to return to practice."
So to be clear, he will play with the AVM and then has a number of options on how to deal with it at the end of the season. Patterson also said that he plans on being ready for week one this year..
"I’m planning on it. I’m really planning on it, so we’ll see what happens. Right now, the coaches are doing everything right and the trainers are doing good. I really appreciate all the doctors that helped me out, especially all the fans who’ve sent me messages, too. We’re taking it one day at a time and taking extra precautions to make sure everything is safe. You don’t want to go out there and risk anything."
Given how the Eagles played the run last week against the Steelers, they could certainly use a run stopper like Patterson back in middle. Really though, it’s just great news that the condition isn’t going to threaten Patterson’s life or career.
Just over two weeks ago Eagles DT Mike Patterson collapsed during practice and experienced a seizure on the field. Sooner after he was diagnosed with a brain AVM. Read more on that here. However, after going through a battery of tests and speaking with doctors Patterson has been cleared to play football.
"It most definitely is an AVM [arteriovenus malformation]." Patterson said, "I have to get it taken care of eventually, but there is no big risk right now. I don’t have to worry about it. The good thing is I’m still talking to doctors and figuring out how to take care of it, but there is no risk as far as football is concerned so I’m happy about that."
This was not a decision made lightly either. According to Eagles head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder, no less than four doctors signed off Patterson being safe to return.
"Before he returned to practice today, over the last eight to ten days, he has physically seen three AVM specialists, and had his studies sent to another one. All four of those physicians have dealt with Mike, his family, [Team Internist] Dr. [Gary] Dorshimer, and Mike also saw a seizure specialist here in Philadelphia. Right now he was cleared to return to practice."
So to be clear, he will play with the AVM and then has a number of options on how to deal with it at the end of the season. Patterson also said that he plans on being ready for week one this year..