Opinion ID: 3013073
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Pertchik Reports

Text: Dr. Alan Pertchik is a neurologist who prepared numerous reports regarding Beasich between January 31, 1984, and July 10, 1989. Pertchik prepared his January 31, 1984 Report when Beasich was 17 years old. Beasich was referred to Dr. Pertchik because of two seizures he suffered in 1981 and 1983. Dr. Pertchik initially diagnosed Beasich with probable post traumatic seizure disorder and probable post traumatic behavioral changes. Pertchik prescribed Tegretol for the seizure condition and warned Beasich of possible side effects. On May 4, 1984, Dr. Pertchik reported that Beasich had had no further spells but was somewhat irritable, slightly fatigued and “moody,” but cooperative. Beasich had been seizure free for six months and the possible post traumatic behavioral changes was reported as possibly stable. On July 2, 1984, Beasich had been taking only varying amounts of Tegretol and had become irritable and was acting out, whether or not he was on medication. Dr. Pertchik noted possible recurrent spells as acting out episodes and possible “fogged” feeling. Dr. Pertchik reported that Beasich appeared cooperative and understood the pluses and minuses of use of medication. Dr. Pertchik recommended regular use of the Tegretol in smaller does, with the possibility of changing the medication. There had not been any seizures since the last examination, and Dr. Pertchik found that the possible post traumatic behavioral changes were “probably stable,” though it was noted a personality 6 disorder may have been present. On August 24, 1984, Beasich suffered a grand mal seizure, at which time he had been drinking and had discontinued the use of his medication. His tongue was lacerated on the right side from the seizure. Dr. Pertchik prohibited Beasich from driving and urged seizure precautions. On June 6, 1986, it was reported that Beasich again had experienced a grand mal seizure, as well as one four months prior to that in February. Beasich had discontinued his medication a few weeks prior to the episodes and had been drinking ethanol. Dr. Pertchik made his last examination on July 10, 1989. Dr. Pertchik reported that Beasich had been experiencing a variable number of seizures and that since 1987 had been off his medication. Dr. Pertchik reported that the seizures were secondary to his intrinsic seizure disorder and compounded by ethanol withdrawal and lack of sleep. Dr. Pertchik recommended the continuation of Tegretol, further seizure precautions, and follow-up medical visits.