Scary Moments at Lehigh: Mike Patterson Collapse Update
Mike Patterson
Scary moments today at Lehigh University, as Mike Patterson was taken to the hospital after suffering a seizure on the practice field. Patterson was in stable condition and stayed at Lehigh Valley Hospital overnight on Wednesday to undergo testing and observation as to the cause of the issue.
Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder told Philly.com that Patterson’s seizure lasted 4 minutes.
Burkholder speculates that dehydration may have played a role in the episode.
Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane writes that, thankfully, bleeding on Patterson’s brain was ruled out after initial testing.
McLane goes on to provide a detailed and very unsettling account of Patterson’s seizure. You can read that here if interested–be forewarned, it’s rather gruesome in parts.
There is, of course, no word on when Patterson will be able to return to the field. More importantly, hopefully the cause of Patterson’s seizure can be identified and appropriately addressed so that he can return to full health.
***UPDATE: It was discovered that Mike Patterson has AVM, an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain that usually forms before birth. Treatment for the issue can be via traditional surgery or radiation, via a gamma knife.
Patterson’s agent, J.R. Rickert, has stated that AVM is not Patterson’s definitive diagnosis and released the following statement:
“Media reports are not accurate. Mike has not yet decided on surgery. He has not received an official diagnosis of a brain [AVM] 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.”
Patterson and his family will continue to consult doctors in order to determine the best treatment plan. Please send your thoughts and prayers to Mike Patterson and his family during this scary time.
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The absence of Patterson on the field at camp, however, leaves a noticeable absence of defensive tackles on the field at Lehigh. Notes McLane: » Continue reading “Scary Moments at Lehigh: Mike Patterson Collapse Update”
