It was just over two years ago that Dave Slocombe would hesitate whenever he left home.  Plagued with seizures from an unknown cause, he was in a constant state of paranoia over suddenly collapsing and injuring himself. 

After seeing a number of doctors and specialists in Vancouver, Kitchener and Markham, Slocombe was referred to the Epilepsy Program at London Health Sciences Centre.  He underwent a series of investigations including video EEG telemetry recording, neuropsychological testing, MRI and SPECT scans, and subdural electrode EEG monitoring. 

“The experience at LHSC was awesome.  All the nurses and physicians were great and very supportive,” Slocombe says.  “I have very fond memories of everyone I met there.” 

Within a week of being admitted in late November 2005, he was correctly diagnosed with a form of frontal lobe epilepsy.  Slocombe then had successful epilepsy surgery during which the area of the brain where his seizures originated was resected.  He was released just over a week later.

“Helping patients like Dave is just one example of how the Epilepsy Program is achieving our vision, illustrating that the work we do here really does make a difference in improving the quality of a person’s life,” says Dr. Andrew Parrent, neurosurgeon and co-director of the Epilepsy Program at LHSC.  “It is the feedback that we receive from individuals like Dave that inspires us to carry on with what we do.”

Today, more than two years later, the 31-year-old Vancouver resident is on a geological expedition in the Northwest Territories, and divides his leisure time between his two passions of rock climbing and cycling.

“My quality of life has improved by an unimaginable magnitude,” Slocombe says.  “You really gain a new appreciation for life, family, and friends when you go through something like brain surgery.”

Minor symptoms such as the odd muscle twitch or tingling comparable to a limb “falling asleep” are the only indications that Slocombe had any kind of health problem.

“Both of my favourite leisure activities came to an abrupt halt when my condition began to manifest itself in a different way, but now I’m able to participate in any and all leisure activities I choose,” he says.

Slocombe worked for De Beers on a four-month summer program, and is currently working on a winter program scheduled to last for approximately three months.  He is hopeful that he will continue working for De Beers on other geology projects, and is open to taking any other professional opportunity that might come his way.

Subsequent to his recovery, Slocombe made a generous donation to London Health Sciences Foundation to help the Epilepsy Program continue its cutting-edge research and patient treatment.

“My life has taken on new meaning and importance after being successfully treated by Dr. Parrent and Dr. McLachlan,” he says.  “Nothing I can do or say will ever be able to express my respect and appreciation for my two doctors and all the staff at London Health Sciences Centre.”