INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis mother has finally won the battle to get a potentially life-changing procedure for her 8-year-old son approved by their insurance company.
Sarah Hampton's son, Jayden, has epilepsy and his doctors say he is now having dozens of seizures daily.
“On a good day, he is having about 19 seizures a day. His hand is shaking, and he is unable to use that part of his body,” said Hampton.
Two-years-ago, her son was diagnosed with a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed.
“We are scared because it has progressed so rapidly in the last two years, what will another two years look like. Will he be paralyzed, or will he lose that mobility,” said Hampton. “I am so afraid I know people can die from epilepsy I keep thinking, what happens when has a really bad one?"
Doctors have tried prescribing medicine to control the seizures to no avail.
“It’s hard because I am watching my son deteriorate right before my eyes. I don’t know what to do, I don’t know where to turn,” said Hampton.
Hampton said doctors told her responsive neurostimulation, a system that monitors the brain waves, has been shown to reduce seizures. According to them, it might be the only option that might help improve Jayden's life.
“This is really the only option to give him the potential to have a normal life,” said Hampton. “I just want my son happy and healthy that is ultimately what I want, and I feel like what this surgery will do is reduce or take away his seizures."
Hampton hit a road block when the insurance company wouldn’t approve the procedure, which costs between $25,000 and $35,000.
“I have three children, I don’t have that kind of money. They just keep saying it’s not medically necessary,” said Hampton.
Hampton says that all changed when WRTV started sending emails to the hospital and insurance company, explaining her son's situation and trying to find out why they wouldn't approve the procedure.
On Thursday morning, Hampton says she finally got the call she was waiting for.
Jayden's surgery is scheduled for Friday.
