Epilepsy Specialist Suggests Possibility of Chiefs Player BJ Thompson Making Football Comeback
BJ Thompson experienced cardiac arrest during a special teams meeting last week. However, the second-year defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs has been discharged from the hospital, and there’s potentially positive news regarding his future in football.
Dr. Brian Moseley, an adult epilepsy specialist, expressed optimism about Thompson’s ability to return to playing football from an epilepsy standpoint. Moseley, while not directly involved in Thompson’s treatment, suggested that it’s possible Thompson didn’t suffer a seizure before his cardiac arrest. In some cases, certain heart irregularities can occur due to inadequate blood flow to the brain, leading to symptoms that resemble seizures.
If Thompson’s condition is related to a cardiac issue rather than epilepsy, it could pose challenges for his NFL career. However, for the majority of patients with epilepsy, becoming seizure-free is achievable with the first or second anti-seizure medication they try.
Moseley emphasized that there is no doubt individuals can lead fulfilling lives and make the most out of life’s opportunities.
Typically, patients are permitted to resume activities such as driving and working.
For Thompson, drafted in the fifth round from Stephen F. Austin in 2023, football is his clear career path. The 25-year-old defensive end participated in one game last year, recording two tackles, and is entering the second year of his four-year, $4.1 million contract.
Thompson’s influence was expected to be primarily evident on special teams, and it was during a special teams meeting on Thursday morning that he became unwell.
Following this, kicker Harrison Butker promptly rushed to the training room to inform the trainers.
“We attempted to stabilize BJ and then positioned him on the floor while he was still experiencing seizures,” explained Rick Burkholder, Chiefs vice president of sports medicine. “Subsequently, he went into cardiac arrest.”
Following this, the staff administered CPR and utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED), delivering one shock. Fortunately, Thompson’s cardiac arrest lasted only a minute and a half.
Afterward, the Chiefs transferred Thompson to the fire department and paramedics. He was then transported to a University of Kansas hospital, where he remained heavily sedated until Thursday night. He was placed on a ventilator and gradually brought out of sedation on Friday morning.
“Fortunately, he was surrounded by people during that meeting who responded swiftly,” noted Dr. Moseley. “The prompt application of resuscitation and aid, along with timely expert treatment at the hospital, significantly improves the prognosis.”
Without swift intervention, the outcome could have been fatal. Seizures can lead to cardiac arrest and even death in approximately 1 in 1,000 epilepsy patients, including individuals of all ages. Notable cases like actor Cameron Boyce’s passing at age 20 in 2019 due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and John Travolta’s son, Jett, potentially experiencing SUDEP when he passed away at age 16 in 2009 highlight the seriousness of this condition.
Furthermore, concussions, common among NFL players, can trigger epilepsy.
Those who have sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI) face a heightened risk, with estimates suggesting that one to five out of every 10 individuals with a TBI may develop epilepsy.
Thankfully, Burkholder reported that Thompson is progressing “quite well.”
“We’re fortunate to have such exceptional teammates and athletic trainers who provided assistance and were prepared for this situation,” expressed Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis. “My thoughts and prayers are with BJ for a swift recovery.”
