A 28-year-old pregnant woman in New Delhi suffering from spinal tuberculosis and paralysis for seven months has delivered a healthy baby and walked again. The woman was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis with severe spinal cord compression, requiring urgent surgery during her pregnancy. Despite the challenges, the patient remained hopeful and bed-ridden until the delivery of a healthy baby via C-section. Post-delivery, another surgery was conducted to remove tuberculosis tissue and stabilise the spine. Despite a challenging prognosis, the patient and her husband persisted with regular physiotherapy and tuberculosis treatment, leading to a gradual improvement in her condition. Eventually, she fully regained her mobility after completing an 18-month course of treatment.
The surgical procedure was complex due to her pregnancy, as traditional spinal fixation methods could not be used. The doctors had to make her lie down in a way that exerted no pressure on the abdomen/foetus and opted for a temporary wire fixation due to pregnancy-related X-ray restrictions. Additionally, the anaesthesia was carefully managed to be safe for both mother and baby. Three months after her surgery, the patient showed no leg movement, prompting a repeat MRI that revealed ongoing spinal cord swelling. Despite the challenging prognosis, she and her husband remained optimistic and continued with regular physiotherapy and tuberculosis treatment.
Dr. Sonal Gupta, Director & HOD Neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, stated, “This is the rarest of rare case in medical history, where a patient suffering from paralysis could be cured even after seven months of zero movement in legs.” Dr. Sonal also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and rapid intervention for the improved prognosis of spinal tuberculosis. He added that if the patient was not treated on time, she would have been bed-ridden and wheelchair-bound for the rest of her life.
The survival of the baby was a challenge due to severe abdominal spasms caused by spinal cord compression. However, with a “never give up” attitude, supportive family, and correct medical intervention, the patient is now free of tuberculosis and leading a normal life. The miraculous recovery of the patient showcases the perseverance and positive outcomes that can result from dedicated medical intervention and the patient’s own resilience in the face of significant health challenges.
