Unexplained seizures may be symptoms of illness

Pittsburgh Public Works Director Guy Costa woke up 10 days ago in the back of an ambulance, speeding toward UPMC Presbyterian hospital with an IV in his arm and an oxygen mask on his face.

Disoriented and confused, Costa struggled with paramedics, telling them he was OK.
"It was a nightmare. I was petrified. I told them to stop, that there's nothing wrong with me," said Costa, 49, a lifelong city resident who graduated from Allderdice High School and Duquesne University.

Doctors will perform a biopsy Monday to determine the severity of what they're calling an abnormality on Costa's brain. An MRI test conducted Thursday revealed a small mass, and doctors told Costa it could be anything -- including a low-grade glioma, or cancerous tumor.
Depending on what it is, treatment options could include chemotherapy and radiation, or surgery, Costa said.

"It's in God's hands at this point," he said. "It's given me a whole new appreciation of life. I'm confident, along with the doctors, that we're going to get through this thing."

Costa had been suffering unexplained seizures since January, which he described as "spells." He suffered a seizure about 6:10 p.m. on Nov. 2 while lying on his bed. His son Joey, 15, found him, and Costa's wife, Cathy, called 911. Although Costa can no longer drive a car because of the seizures, he continues to work and says he feels healthy.

"It's a real shocker. My family always thought we'd have problems with our hearts, not our brains," Costa said, referring to a family history of heart disease.

Costa, of Schenley Park, took the reins at public works in 1999 when Mayor Tom Murphy offered him the job. As director, Costa oversees a $30 million budget and 635 employees.

Costa has earned a reputation as a fair, hard-working manager who often rolls up his sleeves and works alongside employees repairing roads and working on other infrastructure projects.
He previously headed the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, serving as director for five years in the 1990s.

"He's a fine public servant -- a devout family man who loves his family, his mother, his brothers and sisters," said the Rev. Edward Bryce, pastor of St. Bede parish in Point Breeze, who has known the Costa family for years.

Most recently, Costa was a steadying presence for crews who cleaned up Downtown streets in August after an underground water pipe ruptured on Fort Duquesne Boulevard, closing the Gateway Center complex for several days.

"I love this job," Costa said during an interview in his office. "I'm really intrigued by it, because something different happens every day. It's been a rewarding career."

Costa's family includes a long line of public servants. His father, Jay, was Allegheny County treasurer from 1980 until his death in 1989. His brother, Jay Jr., is a state senator from Forest Hills, and brother Paul is a state representative from Wilkins.

Costa and his four brothers and sisters grew up in Larimer before the family moved to Squirrel Hill in 1968, following riots sparked by the assassination of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Known for his easy-going demeanor, Costa said he tries to get along with just about everyone -- a trait he inherited from his father.

"He always said to be nice to everybody at work, because you never know -- your co-worker could someday become your boss," Costa said.

Bryce said the parish is praying for Costa.

"He's a vital young man, and we're praying he gets through this," Bryce said.