South African Rugby
Joost's condition fails to improve
ESPNscrum Staff
June 26, 2011
Van der Westhuizen was capped XX times by the Springboks but now faces the biggest battle of his life © Getty Images
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Joost van der Westhuizen has suffered a setback after he failed to respond to four weeks of treatment.

Van der Westhuizen is suffering from a debilitating nerve disease and the initial treatment prescribed by his doctor has failed to improve his condition. He will now travel to the USA in a bid to finalise his diagnosis. His doctor, Jody Pearl, released a statement saying the former Springbok captain "remains positive" despite his neurological symptoms persisting.

"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," Dr Pearl said.

"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."

Van der Westhuizen, who won the Rugby World Cup in 1995, was diagnosed in May with a form of motor neurone disease following complaints of pain in his arm.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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