Update on Student Allegedly Suffering Memory Loss After MBG Incident in Karo: EEG Results Normal
The Karo Health Office has revealed the results of Electroencephalography (EEG) examinations conducted at the hospital treating a student suspected of suffering memory loss due to Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) poisoning. The EEG results indicate that the victim’s brain nerves are within normal limits.
“The results of the examination reported by the handling team at the hospital, through EEG tests conducted twice at two different hospitals, consistently show that the patient’s brain nerve electrical activity is within normal limits,” stated the Secretary of the Karo Health Office, Mardin Purba, on Thursday (10/9).
An Electroencephalography (EEG) examination is used to record electrical activity in the brain, which can identify patterns of brain activity to diagnose and monitor various neurological conditions. According to Mardin, examinations for the student, Febiona Purba, are ongoing as she continues to experience various complaints.
“Because our child is still experiencing symptoms, the team has decided to continue the medical treatment process and will continue to investigate the matter thoroughly,” said Mardin.
On the other hand, the victim’s mother, Elvinus Lusiana Sitanggang (49), claims otherwise. She stated that she has not received the physical EEG results and was only informed verbally. “We have requested the EEG results, but they were not provided; we were only told verbally that the results were normal, though we were given lung X-ray results,” said Elvinus.
Elvinus also expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital’s EEG findings and is even planning to seek alternative treatment for her daughter. “The doctor said there is no disease. But how can my child be like this? I am not satisfied with the doctor’s findings. However, the doctor said that if she has a seizure at home, we should record a video so the doctor can provide the correct medication,” Elvinus added.
Elvinus noted that her daughter is still experiencing vomiting following the incident, though anti-seizure medication has been administered for the seizures.
Febiona Purba (16), an 11th-grade student at SMK Bersama Berastagi, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, is currently undergoing follow-up examinations at RSUP H Adam Malik Medan after moving between hospitals for over three weeks. Febiona initially suffered poisoning after consuming Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) at her school on 13 August. Her condition has since worsened, with her family reporting memory impairment and difficulty speaking.
Rosario Dorothy Simanjuntak, Public Relations for RSUP H Adam Malik Medan, stated that Febiona has visited the hospital three times for outpatient treatment. However, she emphasised that the medical team has not yet been able to provide a definitive diagnosis or confirm the cause of her condition. “At this time, the attending doctors cannot provide a statement as the examination process is still ongoing,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the North Sumatra Health Office, Hamid Rijal Lubis, admitted that he has not yet received an official report from RSUP H Adam Malik regarding Febiona’s latest condition. Consequently, he declined to draw conclusions before receiving the official medical findings.
The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, stated that Febiona’s condition is currently under medical monitoring. Examinations are being conducted not only to assess her physical health but also to determine if the impairment is neurological or related to other factors. “We need to see the medical follow-up and examinations to determine whether this is an influence of the autonomic nervous system or something else,” said Bobby.