Tethered Spinal Cord Treatment in India

Aarav Patel is a bright and...

Aarav Patel is a bright and active 8-year-old boy who loves cricket and robotics. He was born with a small dimple at the base of his spine, which was monitored since infancy. Over the past year, his parents noticed he was becoming clumsier, often tripping over his own feet, and complaining of occasional back and leg pain after playing. His handwriting, once neat, became messy, and he started having occasional daytime wetting accidents, which embarrassed him deeply. His pediatrician, concerned about the neurological changes, referred him to a pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma. After a detailed examination and an MRI, Dr. Sharma diagnosed Aarav with a tethered spinal cord, explaining that the cord was abnormally attached, stretching and causing his symptoms. He recommended a tethered cord release surgery to prevent further damage. Aarav was scared of the idea of 'spine surgery' but the child-life specialists used dolls and drawings to explain the procedure. The surgery went smoothly. Post-op, Aarav spent a few days in the hospital learning to move carefully. The leg pain vanished almost immediately. Over six months of gentle physiotherapy, his coordination improved dramatically, the wetting accidents stopped, and he regained his confidence. The emotional journey was profound: from a confused, embarrassed boy who was withdrawing from sports, to a relieved, joyful child eagerly back on the cricket pitch, his smile brighter than ever.