Some terrible news coming out of Lehigh today. Mike Patterson, 27, collapsed into a seizure yesterday in yesterday morning's practice not due to the heat but a brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation). Team officials say this generally requires surgery or radiation. Some research at this medical website reveal the following information on AVM.
An AVM is a tangle of abnormal and poorly formed blood vessels (arteries and veins). They have a higher rate of bleeding than normal vessels. AVMs can occur anywhere in the body.The cause is not known. AVMs are thought to be due to abnormal development of blood vessels in utero and may be present since birth. They are very rare and occur in less than 1% of the general population.
They can occur in people of all races and sexes in almost equal proportions. The typical time of discovery is between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
Treatment is offered is to try to prevent bleeding from the AVM. Bleeding may injure the surrounding brain resulting in a stroke , with possible permanent disability or even death. The risk of bleeding is 4% per year, which means that 4 out of every 100 people with an AVM will have a bleed (hemorrhage) during any one year. Symptoms are seizures, headeaches, stroke-like behavior, and bleeding(the most severe). Thankfully, Rick Burholder said Wednesday that tests reveal no bleeding to the brain.
We still don't when or even if he'll be cleared to return to the Eagles. Patterson, our 1st round pick out of USC back in 2005, played in 95 games(84 starts) and has been a consistent run stopping force in the middle for the past six seasons. Reports state he lost about 20 pounds and was looking great in camp. We can only hope and pray for his quick recovery.
Update: Team Serbia has brought to my attention the following statement by Mike Patterson's agent.
Media reports are not accurate. Mike has not yet decided on surgery. He has not received an official diagnosis of a brain AVR and is continuing to be evaluated by multiple doctors. Once we know the course of treatment and timetable for recovery, Mike and his wife Bianca will decide how to proceed.
Update 2: Rick Burkholder just briefed everyone on Patterson's condition.
I haven't seen the PC or interview so these are just from tweets.
- He has congenital tangle of blood vessels outside his brain (AVM). Dehydration, head injury didn't cause seizure.
- Injury wasn't football related. Team of doctors will continue testing to make sure it's AVM.
- It would be foolish to speculate when he'll play football again. We don't know yet.
- Patterson is in good spirits. He was worried more about low DT numbers. He is on medication to prevent another seizure.
- Burkholder won't speculate on what type of treatment will be used to address Patterson's condition.
This is a huge loss to the team but life comes before everything. Get well soon, Mike.