Spina Bifida Treatment in India

Anika Nair is a 28-year-old software...

Anika Nair is a 28-year-old software engineer who was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Occulta at birth, a condition she was told was mild and asymptomatic. For years, she lived an active life, but over the last 18 months, she began experiencing increasing lower back pain, numbness in her left foot, and occasional bladder urgency. An MRI revealed a tethered spinal cord, a common complication of her Spina Bifida, where the spinal cord was abnormally attached to the spine, stretching with her growth and movement. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended a tethered cord release surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage. The procedure involved a delicate laminectomy to untether the spinal cord. Post-surgery, Anika spent three days in the hospital, managing pain and beginning gentle physical therapy. After six weeks of careful recovery at home, the numbness in her foot resolved, and her back pain significantly improved. Emotionally, Anika felt a mix of fear and relief, fear of the unknown and surgery on her spine, but profound relief at having an explanation and a proactive solution. After recovery, she felt empowered, no longer anxious about the progressive symptoms, and optimistic about returning to her hiking hobbies.