What's Next For Ethan

I talked with Sean this morning. The fluid buildup in the vertricles of the brain continues and it appears that Ethan will be scheduled for a spinal tap to drain fluid.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is made, as I recall, in the ventricles and circulates around the brain and spinal column. There is some debate about all of the functions of CSF, but everyone agrees it's pretty important stuff. Normally CSF is absorbed and replenished daily. I don't know if Ethan is producing more than is normal or is absorbing less than is normal, but the end result is that there is more fluid than the system can hold. If allowed to continue unchecked the fluid will compress the brain tissue and can have wildly varying effects on the brain and its functions. If Ethan isn't absorbing at the correct rate there is some evidence that CSF removes impurities from the cerebrospinal system in much the same way that urine removes impurities from the body as a whole.

On the praise side, if not for this complication we think that Ethan would finally be allowed to go home since he has finally taken a little more than two ounces from the bottle on his own.

Pray that Ethan's CSF production and replenishment will even out and that the need for additional intervention will not be necessary and that he will be able to go home soon.