Skip links

Charlie Gard’s parents ‘optimistic’ after new brain scan and examination by US neurosurgeon

Charlie Gard’s parents remain “optimistic” following a brain scan that will determine whether he can have experimental therapy.

The scan took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) where a US professor of neurosurgery examined the 11-month-old boy on Monday.

Prof Michio Hirano was studying the scan and other medical records before deciding whether he felt the boy could benefit from treatment for the rare mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome.

He spent about four and a half hours inside the hospital on Monday.

The hospital said there was an honorary contract in place, meaning that for the duration of the visit Dr Hirano had the same rights as one of the hospital’s own clinicians.

He was also given full access to Charlie’s medical records, and hospital and clinical facilities, including diagnostic images.

Dr Hirano was also given an opportunity to examine Charlie, according to the hospital.

Meetings between the American neurosurgeon and other medical experts are due to continue on Tuesday.

Doctors from GOSH will meet with Prof Hirano to discuss the boy’s plight. The hospital believes Charlie has suffered irreversible brain damage and that life support should be switched off allowing him to “die with dignity”.

Charlie’s parents Chris Gard and Connie Yates say he should be given a chance of treatment. A source close to the parents said: “They remain optimistic after the scan.”

 An EEG brain scan was conducted on Sunday, the first since March. Prof Hirano has said that the scan in March did not evidence of irreversible brain damage.

The latest scan will be key to deciding Charlie’s fate. A High Court judge has already decided Charlie the ventilator keeping him alive be removed but could change his mind.

Read more at The Telegraph. 

Share with Friends: