Ryan Westmoreland to have brain surgery

[a700hitter]

A cruel twist of fate for this kid and his family.

[NateGrey]

Westmoreland surgery 'successful'

The Red Sox issued the following release about the surgical procedure performed on 19-year-old Ryan Westmoreland to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain:

According to the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Red Sox minor league outfielder Ryan Westmoreland today underwent successful surgery to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain. Dr. Robert Spetzler performed the surgery. The announcement was made by general manager Theo Epstein. Following the five-hour procedure, Westmoreland remains in the intensive care unit but has come through the surgery well. Due to the complexity of this surgery, Ryan will face a difficult period initially before beginning his recovery.

[Spudboy]

That sounds like good news! Thanks Nate.

Recovery from neurosurgery is really dicey. As Jacko said, the more you cut, the more neurons are lost.

Here's hoping that he recovers well and has had minimal loss of brain function.

Any input from our "resident" Doctor would be appreciated.

God speed Ryan.

[a700hitter]

More news on Westmoreland.

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/red_sox/

[BSN07]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Highly regarded Boston Red Sox minor league prospect Ryan Westmoreland has had surgery in Arizona to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain.

The team made the announcement Tuesday night, saying a five-hour procedure was performed at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Spetzler.

A brief team statement said Westmoreland remains in the intensive care unit "but has come through the surgery well." It added that because of the complexity of the surgery, the 19-year-old outfielder will "face a difficult period initially before beginning his recovery."

"It sounds like very encouraging news," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said after Tuesday night's split-squad game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte. "We're obviously thrilled about that and thankful."

Westmoreland is one of Boston's top prospects. He left minor league camp on March 4 and was diagnosed the following day at Massachusetts General Hospital.

A cavernous malformation of cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal or dilated blood vessels that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can include bleeding in the brain, seizures and headaches.

Francona received an update on the surgery from general manager Theo Epstein.

Minor league first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who played in Tuesday night's loss to Tampa Bay, said he received a text message from one of Westmoreland's friends "saying surgery couldn't have gone better."

Rizzo was treated for lymphoma in 2008, when he was 18.

"He's a tough, strong kid and we're all pulling for him," Rizzo said.

From SI.

[jacksonianmarch]

That's good news.

[jacksonianmarch]

So they keep him in the unit based upon the fact that his brainstem was manipulated. Everything from seizures to heart block can occur after brainstem manipulation. After 2 days, he'll likely be moved to a floor and then out to rehab.

[riverside sluggers]

Ryan Westmoreland (brain surgery) has been moved out of intensive care and will begin physical and occupational therapy.
Great news. The Red Sox released a statement on Friday that read in part: "We are thrilled for Ryan and his family that the surgery went so well," said Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein. "While we recognize that the recovery process is long and complicated, we are excited that all of the early indications are so positive. On behalf of the Westmoreland family, we thank everybody who has expressed concern and support for Ryan." Westmoreland, 19, underwent surgery to repair a cavernous malformation of the brain on Tuesday.

[Spudboy]

As a father of an 18 year old boy, I can imagine what Ryan's parents are going through.

This is good news. He has survived and is able to move on to therapy. This is the best news so far in spring training. I hope to see him throwing out a first pitch at Fenway this season.

Woooooo! That would be nice!

[example1]

Originally Posted by Spudboy

As a father of an 18 year old boy, I can imagine what Ryan's parents are going through.

This is good news. He has survived and is able to move on to therapy. This is the best news so far in spring training. I hope to see him throwing out a first pitch at Fenway this season.

Woooooo! That would be nice!

Yes it would. Great idea.

[jacksonianmarch]

He survived the toughest part. Now onto the rehab

[riverside sluggers]

Ryan Westmoreland, who underwent surgery to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain last month, is currently undergoing treatment at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston.
The club released a statement on Monday saying that the 19-year-old "has been making steady progress and is in great spirits." Westmoreland visited the Red Sox clubhouse before Sunday night's game and watched the game with his parents from general manager Theo Epstein's private box. He's expected to continue physical and occupational therapy at the Spaulding facility.

[jacksonianmarch]

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/ar...=.jsp&c_id=bos

[Dojji]

I'm glad he's doing well. I won't even bother to try to guess what that means for an eventual return to baseball.

[jacksonianmarch]

.... see below...