DOCTORS around the world are baffled by a debilitating condition affecting Durham City teenager Scott Hall who fell ill following an accident playing football.

The 14-year-old has suffered problems including epilepsy, paralysis, memory loss and partial loss of sight since he was hit in the eye with a ball during a kick-about at school in March 1996.

Despite numerous tests, consultants are mystified by Scott's continued deterioration which could prove life- threatening.

Parents Ken and Carol, of Framwellgate Moor, are hoping for a diagnosis so doctors have some idea what they are treating.

Scott has seen a number of specialists, including an expert at Kings Hospital, London, and samples have been sent for examination by medics around the world, who have all reported that the youngster is "unique".

He has had many stays in hospital, but a number of brain scans and biopsies have failed to pinpoint the problem.

Carol, 42, said: "On the day of the accident I got a phone call from Scott's school at around lunchtime asking if I could collect him because he wasn't feeling well.

"When I got there he was in a totally confused state, laughing and crying. He was bumping into walls because he couldn't walk properly.

"I thought he'd had a stroke because he'd lost the use of his right side and couldn't speak. The only sign of injury was the mark around his eye where the ball had hit him."

Carol and Ken, 41, have paid for alterations to their home to help Scott get about more easily and Durham City Council has agreed to build a downstairs extension.

Officers from Durham Police are aiming to raise sponsorship to buy specialist equipment for Scott by completing the Great North Run on Sunday.