Growing up in northwestern Minnesota was like a giant playground for Matthew Sisler, an avid fisherman, hunter and overall outdoorsman. On a Saturday in June of 2010, Matthew was at work, and his mother expected him home shortly after his shift ended. They had plans to go clothing shopping for an upcoming school trip. When Matthew did not return home as expected, worry overcame his mother, Beth.
Like many rural communities, word traveled quickly that Matthew was missing, and a small search was soon underway. Matthew was found within hours, a few miles from his home, his vehicle lodged in the ditch. He was disoriented in a country setting that should have been more than familiar to him.
Because he was alone and unable to recall what had actually happened, this frightening event was left unsolved and somewhat unexplainable. Matthew was 17 at the time, received routine care and went on with his youthful adventures.
Puzzling Seizures
In January 2011 while ice fishing, Matthew experienced a seizure that raised more concern and initiated more medical care, with no clear diagnosis of a problem. Within a few short weeks, Matthew experienced yet another seizure while at school and was quickly transported to the emergency room in Thief River Falls. It was after the third incident that appointments were arranged with Dr. Matthew Roller, a neurologist at Altru Health System. Soon, EEG and MRI’s became common acronyms in the Sislers’ vocabulary.
Dr. Roller was determined to treat and diagnose whatever was causing the seizures. Matthew’s mother, Beth, smiles, “We have always had a lot of confidence in Dr. Roller.”
Rhonda, Dr. Roller’s nurse, worked closely with Matthew and his family to find the best fit with seizure medication. This type of medication can alter personality, and the Sislers appreciated Rhonda’s extreme patience, understanding and informative style during a scary and trying time.
Consulting With Mayo Experts
Dr. Roller recognized the benefit the Mayo Clinic Care Network could provide in properly treating Matthew. He reached out to his colleagues at Mayo with an eConsult, discussing the conditions Matthew was experiencing. Tests led to the diagnosis and finding of Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), or a tangle of blood vessels in the brain that occurs in less than one percent of the population. Matthew was sent to Mayo Clinic in Rochester to further discuss options, which included invasive surgery or the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. The therapy took place at Mayo in June of 2011.
“Everything at Mayo is like clockwork and very organized,” Matthew said. “There are no guessing games.”
All of Matthew’s follow-up care, from his initial Gamma Knife radiosurgery to his second surgery in June of 2015, has been at Altru’s Neurology department with the utilization of the Mayo Clinic Care Network through Dr. Roller. The exchange of information and quick responses to questions or concerns have been comforting for Matthew and his family. The availability of eConsults at Altru has saved the Sislers many miles and hours of travel, time away from work and responsibilities at home, and has reduced the financial burden.
Matthew’s condition, while difficult to detect, could have resulted in a stroke if left unidentified. Dr. Roller’s knowledge, coupled with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, has allowed Matthew to continue doing all the things he loves. He is a true outdoor enthusiast, hunting and fishing as often as possible, a wonderful brother, a fiancé ready to start a life with his bride-to-be, a first responder, a board member and a volunteer with the Red Lake Falls Ambulance service. Matthew says, “Life goes on. I haven’t stopped living.”
As the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Altru Health System is helping to bring Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise to the Red River Valley. Learn more about how we’re helping patients save travel time, money and miles through this collaboration.
