The condition Emilio faces is Leigh's Disease, from what I had read.
What is Leigh's Disease?
Leigh's disease is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder characterized by degeneration of the central nervous system. Leigh's disease can be
caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA or by deficiencies of an enzyme called pyruvate dehydrogenase. Symptoms of Leigh's disease usually begin
between the ages of 3 months to 2 years and progress rapidly. In most children, the first signs may be poor sucking ability and loss of head control
and motor skills. These symptoms may be accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, irritability, continuous crying, and seizures. As the disorder
progresses, symptoms may also include generalized weakness, lack of muscle tone, and episodes of lactic acidosis, which can lead to impairment of
respiratory and kidney function. Heart problems may also occur. In rare cases, Leigh's disease can begin during late adolescence or early adulthood
and progress more slowly.
Source
I also read that most patients never make it past their mid-teens when they have already developed it as a baby. The outlook doesn't look to positive
on Emilio's life, as he is already on a feeding tube at 17-months.
My question is, has the child been observed to possess motor skills by anyone other than the mother of the child? Legally speaking, at the moment with
how the laws are written, the ten day law is allowed by Texas hospitals. More can be found out about the law
here.
CNN Story
Fox News Story
USA Today Story
[edit on 4/18/07 by niteboy82]
