Ducks' Eaves hospitalized with immune disorder

Oct 24, 2017 - 5:08 AM Anaheim Ducks right winger Patrick Eaves was in stable condition in a California hospital after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.

Guillain-Barre is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

The Ducks provided a medical update Monday on Eaves, who was admitted to the intensive care unit at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., last week after visiting specialists to determine the cause of recurring weakness he was feeling.

Eaves, 33, who sat out the preseason and did not make his regular-season debut until Oct. 11, was released from intensive care over the weekend. He is expected to make a full recovery.

"I want to thank Dr. Robert Watkins Sr. and Dr. Danny Benmoshe for their early diagnosis of my condition, along with the proactive Ducks medical team," Eaves said in a statement released Monday. "Thanks to them and the incredible nurses at Hoag Hospital, I'm on the road to recovery. I've received tremendous amount of support over the last few days, most importantly from my family, friends and teammates.

"I'm determined to fully overcome this and return to the ice as soon as possible."

The cause of Guillain-Barre is unknown. Among the early signs are weakness and tingling in one's extremities that can rapidly spread throughout the body. If not treated, it can lead to paralysis.

While there is no specific cure, the majority of patients recover -- although the timetable can vary widely from a few weeks to years.

"Our sole focus at this time is on Patrick's general health and well-being," Anaheim general manager Bob Murray said. "We are grateful his condition was diagnosed early by Dr. Robert Watkins Sr. and Dr. Danny Benmoshe, and thank the staff at Hoag Hospital and our own medical personnel for their efforts.

"What defines Patrick Eaves is his strength of character, and that will serve him well in his recovery. Our thoughts are with Patrick and his family at this time."

Among the athletes who have been afflicted with Guillain-Barre was Rowdy Gaines, a former gold medal Olympic swimmer. Gaines was diagnosed at age 32 and was hospitalized for two months before returning to competitive swimming.

Chicago Bears nose tackle William "The Refrigerator" Perry and former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel also had Guillain-Barre, although both were diagnosed following their playing days.

Serge Payer contracted the disorder while playing hockey at the Canadian Major Junior level, according to the Orange County Register. Although he was sidelined for 10 months while also dealing with mononucleosis, he went on to play parts of four seasons in the NHL before continuing his career in Germany and Norway.