Unexpected Medical Diagnosis Explains Teen's Persistent Headaches
As a passionate football player since he was six, Logan Coleridge was no stranger to minor injuries and even concussions. However, following a heavy helmet-to-helmet collision during his first year in high school, his health took a concerning turn.
Logan, a teenager from New Jersey, began experiencing dizziness, balance issues, severe light sensitivity, and intense headaches. Previously a high-achieving student, he found it difficult to concentrate and couldn't recall his school assignments or class readings.
A Long Search for Answers
Unfortunately, Logan's condition did not improve over time. Despite months of physical therapy, his symptoms persisted. He was on two different medications, both of which had negative side effects. A variety of healthcare professionals, including a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor, couldn't provide a clear answer to his health problems. Logan's mother, Becky, requested an MRI scan, but it wasn't approved. In the meantime, Logan was frequently absent from school due to his debilitating headaches.
Finally, after a particularly severe headache that kept Logan from attending school, he was able to visit a concussion specialist. The specialist was shocked that Logan hadn't been given an MRI scan yet and immediately ordered one, along with an X-ray of his neck. The family had speculated that there might be an issue with Logan's occipital nerve, which goes from the neck to the scalp, but the scan results revealed a far more serious condition.
Unfamiliar Diagnosis: Arteriovenous Malformation
Logan was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a condition neither he nor his parents were familiar with. An AVM is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels in the brain that can lead to various symptoms and poses the risk of rupture, causing bleeding in the brain. Even if the AVM doesn't rupture, it can still cause symptoms affecting motor skills, sensory and visual perception, language abilities, and walking style.
Logan's family was presented with two treatment options: radiation therapy or surgery. Given the urgency of Logan's situation, the family opted for surgery.
Toward a Solution
Dr. Howard Riina, a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, performed the surgery. He believed the AVM, located in the occipital region of the brain, a common spot for headaches, was likely the cause of Logan's symptoms. AVMs are congenital and can grow as the person grows, leading to an increase in symptoms.
"The concussion led to the imaging, which led to the diagnosis of the AVM, which was probably what was causing the headaches all along," he explained.
Recovery and a New Chapter
Logan underwent surgery to remove the AVM, almost a year after his symptoms began. He was discharged from the hospital three days later to continue his recovery at home. It was a challenging summer for Logan, who was unable to participate in the sports he loved.
Now, Logan experiences only occasional headaches, which can be managed with medication. His follow-up checks have all returned clear results. Looking back, his mother wishes Logan had received an MRI earlier to avoid months of suffering and uncertainty.
Logan's life has taken a positive turn since his surgery. He's back in school, recently celebrated his 16th birthday, took driving lessons, and spent most of the summer at the beach with his friends. He's also excited to return to the football field.
"I'm leaving that time in my life in the past and focusing on a new beginning," Logan shared.