Home » Health & Wellness » Seizure Disorders » Kaitlyn Joan Dilly and Hemimegalencephaly

Kaitlyn Joan Dilly and Hemimegalencephaly

© Lina Jo Gilliland

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare brain malformation characterized by the enlargement of a cerebral hemisphere, meaning one side of the brain is larger than the other. This condition is usually accompanied by frequent and often difficult to control seizures. The cause for this condition is not known, but it is speculated to form during the third month of pregnancy. Diagnosis is made by a CT Scan or MRI,the left or the right side of the brain may be enlarged and it may be all, or only part of a cerebral hemisphere.

Kaitlyn Joan Dilly was born on September,15,1998. She was a long awaited and welcome addition to the Dilly family. When she was around seven weeks old she was taken to an ER. She was put on an IV of Phenobarbital and given a CT scan. The next morning she was flown to a chidren's hospital near her. Upon having an MRI she was diagnosed with having hemimegalencephaly. It is concentrated in her right frontal lobe. She remained on Phenobarbital until she was five months, they have since weaned her off and put her on Depakote. This diagnosis was heartbreaking to her family. They are determined to give Kaitlyn the best life she can have and help her to become all that she can.

Her family was virtually unable to find any information or support on this rare disorder. Her mother set up a web site and message board in honor of her daughter, to share her story and help other families who have a child with this condition. The outcome for this condition varies greatly according to each individual.

If you would like to visit the Dilly site to find more information and sign thier guest book you may go to:
http://community.webtv.net/csrk/KaitlynJ...

The copyright of the article Kaitlyn Joan Dilly and Hemimegalencephaly in Seizure Disorders is owned by . Permission to republish Kaitlyn Joan Dilly and Hemimegalencephaly in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.