Court hears child will only have ‘minimal recovery’



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Doctors have told the Superior Court that an 11-year-old boy who suffered catastrophic brain injuries in a collision less than three months ago will only make a minimal recovery.

The Superior Court heard that the boy was likely experiencing pain and that intensive care interventions could leave him in a worse condition.

The hospital where he is being treated wants permission to withhold invasive interventions and administer palliative care, but his parents are against it.

A pediatric intensive care specialist told the Superior Court that the boy had already exceeded expectations by surviving what had happened.

But doctors treating the boy say that his brain damage is irreversible and that he is in a vegetative state.

They say that you are unlikely to recover much more and your body is likely to deteriorate.

Their best prognosis, they say, would be to move to a state of minimal consciousness.

The hospital is seeking Superior Court orders that allow it to withhold invasive interventions such as resuscitation and administer palliative care.

He says that an invasive treatment to prolong the life of the child would not be the best for him and, after going through such treatment, he may be in worse condition than he is today.

But her parents, who are separated, are opposed to this. They say it is too soon after the accident and they want you to have more time.

The court was informed that the boy suffers from involuntary stiffness of his muscles, which is being controlled to some extent with medication. A neurologist said she was 90% sure she was experiencing pain as a result of these episodes.

The court heard that the mother described her son with the heart of a lion.

He also said that he was a home bird and that he would take comfort in being home and having his beloved dogs close to him. He wants you to move home or to a nearby hospital.

Judge Mary Irvine asked the hospital for more information about the boy’s stiff muscle episodes.

Tomorrow you will hear more evidence, including testimony from your parents.



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