Pediatric Spina Bifida Treatment in India

Navya Khan, a bright-eyed 6-year-old from...

Navya Khan, a bright-eyed 6-year-old from a close-knit family, was born with a sacral-level myelomeningocele, the most severe form of Spina Bifida. It was closed shortly after birth, but as she grew, she developed a progressive tethered cord syndrome. Navya, who had been managing with ankle-foot orthotics and had good upper body mobility, began experiencing new back pain, frequent urinary tract infections, and a noticeable weakening in her left leg, making her beloved dance classes increasingly difficult. Her pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended a tethered cord release surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage. The surgery was complex but successful, performed using intraoperative neuromonitoring to safeguard nerve function. Navya's recovery in the hospital was challenging, with pain management and strict bed rest initially. However, within weeks at home, her back pain resolved, the leg weakness stabilized, and her UTI frequency decreased. Emotionally, Navya transitioned from frustration and fear of losing her mobility to a resilient confidence. She returned to adapted dance with renewed strength, her family's anxiety replaced by profound relief and hope for her active future.