Dr. Michio Hirano, a specialist in rare genetic diseases at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, says there is as much as an 11 to 56% chance that an experimental treatment can help improve Charlie’s condition — specifically his lack of muscular strength.

Alasdair Seton-Marsden, a spokesman for the Gard family, said in a statement after the brain scan:

Today, Charlie’s case has moved from the chances of this ground-breaking therapy working from being as close to zero, as to make no difference to, according to the expert evidence that’s been heard in court, to small but significant chance.

This is the first brain scan Charlie has had nearly four months. Accompanying Dr. Hirano was a doctor from Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome. The two spent five hours with Charlie, according to the Daily Mail. Charlie’s parents were present for the EEG and a source said they are “optimistic.”

While Charlie’s GOSH doctors believe he has irreversible brain damage and he is better off dying, Charlie’s parents believe their son should be given a chance with an experimental treatment shown to help children with similar conditions. Dr. Hirano had previously reviewed Charlie’s brain scan taken on March 30, 2017, and called it “very severe,” but said he is willing to try the experimental medication because “the alternative is that [Charlie] will pass away.”

Hirano told the judge, “This is the best scientific data we have. These are small numbers, but with very rare diseases we must use every patient and gather as much detail from each patient as possible.”

In the meantime, Charlie has been granted permanent residence in the United States by Congress so he can come to the US for treatment. Congress passed an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriation Bill which “grants permanent resident status to Charlie Gard and family so Charlie can get the medical treatment he needs,” said Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.

Despite their new permanent residence status in the U.S., the Gard family still needs permission from the courts of the UK to move Charlie.

“Our gorgeous baby boy is still stable,” said Yates. “We are at his bedside and feel satisfied he is not suffering or in any pain. As Charlie’s loving parents, we are doing the right thing for our son in exploring all treatment options.”

Dr. Michio Hirano, a specialist in rare genetic diseases at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, says there is as much as an 11 to 56% chance that an experimental treatment can help improve Charlie’s condition — specifically his lack of muscular strength.

Alasdair Seton-Marsden, a spokesman for the Gard family, said in a statement after the brain scan:

Today, Charlie’s case has moved from the chances of this ground-breaking therapy working from being as close to zero, as to make no difference to, according to the expert evidence that’s been heard in court, to small but significant chance.

This is the first brain scan Charlie has had nearly four months. Accompanying Dr. Hirano was a doctor from Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome. The two spent five hours with Charlie, according to the Daily Mail. Charlie’s parents were present for the EEG and a source said they are “optimistic.”

While Charlie’s GOSH doctors believe he has irreversible brain damage and he is better off dying, Charlie’s parents believe their son should be given a chance with an experimental treatment shown to help children with similar conditions. Dr. Hirano had previously reviewed Charlie’s brain scan taken on March 30, 2017, and called it “very severe,” but said he is willing to try the experimental medication because “the alternative is that [Charlie] will pass away.”

Hirano told the judge, “This is the best scientific data we have. These are small numbers, but with very rare diseases we must use every patient and gather as much detail from each patient as possible.”

In the meantime, Charlie has been granted permanent residence in the United States by Congress so he can come to the US for treatment. Congress passed an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriation Bill which “grants permanent resident status to Charlie Gard and family so Charlie can get the medical treatment he needs,” said Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.

Despite their new permanent residence status in the U.S., the Gard family still needs permission from the courts of the UK to move Charlie.

“Our gorgeous baby boy is still stable,” said Yates. “We are at his bedside and feel satisfied he is not suffering or in any pain. As Charlie’s loving parents, we are doing the right thing for our son in exploring all treatment options.”