Joost's treatment fails

Brenden Nel - SuperSport

And now, Van der Westhuizen will be searching for help overseas as he and his physician, Dr Jody Pearl will head to the USA to try and find a cure to his symptoms. Despite the therapy’s failure, Dr Pearl has not confirmed that Van der Westhuizen has Motor Neuron Disease, as was initially indicated, but came as close as possible to confirming the diagnosis, saying it “remains a probability” in a statement released Saturday night.

The trip, which was funded by SA Rugby Legends, will see Van der Westhuizen travel to the Centre of Neurology at the Cleveland Medical Centre in Cleveland, Ohio to search for a cure.

“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 in the statement.

“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 RWC trophy in 1995, and also played in 1999 and 2003, was diagnosed with a neurological disorder more than a month ago, which was initially thought to be Motor Neuron Disease. He was hospitalised and has since been undergoing a series of treatments to try and counter the effects of the disorder, which have failed.