Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmer’s son Oakley rushed into hospital amid health battle as mum Talia reveals heartache
GEORDIE Shore star Aaron Chalmers' toddler son Oakley has been whisked to hospital after "deteriorating quickly" at home.
Oakley, three, has the rare genetic condition Apert syndrome and is now undergoing a series of tests, including a CT scan to check for spinal fluid on the brain.
The tot's worried mum Talia revealed Oakley was in hospital by sharing a picture of him lying in a metal cot on Instagram.
She later said: "Oakley deteriorated very quickly.
"He's had an abdominal X-ray.... we tried to do a CT but he went wild.
"4 cannula tries later from three different people and we have fluids! (They did amazing).
"We are waiting for him to have fluids and his melatonin to try the CT scan again."
She added: "They want to rule out any CSF issues (which he had back in Liverpool)."
Talia has since updated fans from the hospital and said he would be sedated before having the scan, which has concerned her.
The worried mum recorded a video as she stroked Oakley's hair while he sat on her lap.
She said: "We've tried twice to get a CT scan on his head but he just goes wild as soon as he goes into the room.
He's normally good as gold with CT scans but maybe he's getting older and he's getting more aware.
"He's got to have an anaesthetic for that, which I'm a bit gutted about. The last time he had an anaesthetic he was in Liverpool and it was just a horrible experience.
"But they've got no choice to run the tests. He's on IVs and has been all night, so he's just not feeling great whatsoever, bless him."
Aaron and Talia welcomed Oakley into the world in February 2023. They also share Romeo, four, and Maddox, three.
The former couple got together in 2017 but split just months after Oakley's birth. They are often praised for the positive way they co-parent their children.
Oakley has been diagnosed with Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes fusion of the skull, hands, and feet bones.
Last month, he took his first steps without the aid of a walking frame.
The emotional moment came eight months after Oakley underwent emergency surgery.
What is Apert syndrome?
APERT syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare disorder that is named after the doctor who first discovered it in the early 20th century.
It is a genetic condition and is caused by a mutation of the FGFR2 gene.
This affects how cells in the body - namely bone cells - grow, divide and die.
Children born with Apert syndrome have a characteristic appearance, which is caused by the bones in the skull and face fusing and not growing in proportion, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
It can increase a child's risk of hydrocephalus, which results in pressure building on the brain, and it can also cause Chiari malformation, where the base of the brain is squeezed.
Other complications include breathing difficulties and heart problems, which require life-long monitoring.
The condition is said to occurs in one in every 65,000 to 88,000 births and a child's outlook can vary greatly depending on the severity of symptoms
He needed the life-saving operation after a hole was found in his skull, causing brain fluid to leak out.
Oakley had to stay in hospital for five weeks, with Talia explaining that he had suffered complications.
She said at the time: "He has had a lot of complications. CSF leaks, CSF infection which lead to sepsis shock.
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"Two lumbar drains, a EVD drain (in the head), IV fluids and antibiotics, four surgeries in total (on this admission)."
Talia added: "He was in an induced coma for around six days to help his body while he was fighting the infection."
