Tooth infection led to life-threatening brain abscess, but surgical intervention from The Walton Centre saved Graham’s life
When 61-year-old Graham Bell and his wife Sue were getting ready for an adventure in Wales for the day, they didn’t think it would end in life-saving brain surgery at The Walton Centre.
The Wirral-based couple were packing the car for the trip, when Sue noticed Graham’s face had fallen on one side, and he was also complaining of a bad headache. Quickly taken to A&E for further investigations, Stroke was ruled out. But, in the days that followed, a mass in Graham’s brain was discovered.
Graham said: “It was a lot of information to take in a short time. I had the family around me, but I think we were all in a bit of shock. I was not well, so finding out what was going on quickly was key for all of us.”
Graham was quickly reviewed by The Walton Centre, where experts told him to come immediately for emergency surgery.
Investigations into Graham’s symptoms revealed a 3cm abscess in his brain. The first operation to essentially drain the abscess was a success, and Graham began to improve.
Wife Sue said: “By this point Graham had deteriorated greatly. The ambulance brought us to The Walton Centre, and once there I knew it was serious. Graham was prepped for surgery right away. The team was so professional, but it was obvious that speed was of the essence.”
However, days later Graham began to deteriorate again, confirming that sepsis had already set in.
Graham said: “I was rushed back into surgery to drain the abscess again and they gave me high doses of anti-biotics to help tackle the infection. My clinical team worked to understand what was going on, and found that the infection had actually come from an infection in a cracked tooth I had. It was bizarre because I had no pain or swelling in my mouth to tell me there was something wrong.”
Graham spent six weeks recovering at The Walton Centre, where around-the-clock multidisciplinary care was given. The abscess has reduced significantly after surgery and treatment, but unfortunately scar tissue from the infection has left him with deficits.
Sue said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the hard work and care The Walton Centre has given Graham. It’s early days, and his latest review in July was encouraging. He still has issues with communicating and moving around, but we’re following the therapy and on our way to getting back to as close to normal as possible.”
So inspired by Graham’s treatment and care at the specialist neurosciences hospital, his children Rob and Aimee, and their friends, did a sponsored walk in Wirral, raising over £3,200 for The Walton Centre Charity.
Sue continued: “The hospital saved his life. For that there is nothing we can do to thank them enough! But as a family we can raise some money and give something back to support the outstanding care they give to patients every day.”
If you want to know more about our charity, go to www.thewaltoncentrecharity.org
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Notes to editors
Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.
For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611