Former Springbok captain and scrumhalf, Joost van der Westhuizen, has suffered a setback after the initial treatment prescribed by his doctor, to combat the debilitating nerve disease he was diagnosed with, failed to improve his condition.

The next step against what was initially thought to be Motor Neuron Disease is for him and his physician, Dr Jody Pearl, to head to the States to try and find a cure.

Although the therapy Joost underwent failed, Dr. Pearl has not confirmed that he is, in fact, suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. But he did say that it “remains a probability”.

The trip is funded by SA Rugby Legends and will enable Joost and Dr. Pearl to travel to the Centre of Neurology at the Cleveland Medical Centre in Cleveland, Ohio to search for an effective treatment.

In a statement released on Saturday, Dr. Pearl said:

I am disappointed to report that following a four week trial of therapy, Joost van der Westhuizen has failed to respond favourably and his neurological symptoms persist but he remains stable. Consequently, the diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease remains a probability.

Due to this Joost and I will be travelling to the leading international centre of Neurology at Cleveland Medical Centre in Cleveland, Ohio, USA towards the end of July. There we will consult world-leading experts and researchers to assist in finalising Joost’s diagnosis and to guide further management.

This trip and treatment will be made possible by the generous support from the SA Rugby Legends Association, specifically from its President’s Fund administered by Gavin Varejes. Notwithstanding the severity of the situation, Joost remains positive.

[Source : News24]