Priedkalns Reported on Mend After Emergency Brain Surgery

Erik Priedkalns, the Westlake High football player who underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain after Friday night’s game, was still listed in serious condition Tuesday at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, but he appears to be recovering, according to Westlake Coach George Contreras.

“The big danger is swelling in the brain after an operation like this,” Contreras said, “but the crucial time is in the first 72 hours.”

Contreras, who spoke with Priedkalns’ parents Monday, said that there had been slight swelling after the 3-hour operation but that “everything is proceeding well.”

Friday’s game at Thousand Oaks High against Newbury Park was Priedkaln’s first since a fainting episode in a game Sept. 9. The affliction was first diagnosed as a viral infection and Priedkalns had since been given medical clearance to play.

Priedkalns, a senior running back, collapsed in the second quarter against Newbury Park and was taken to the hospital by paramedics. Priedkalns could go home as early as this week, according to Contreras, but he will not attend school for 5 or 6 weeks.