Trans Oral Decompression for Cranio Vertebral Junction Anomaly Treatment in India

Ayaan Joshi, a 17-year-old high school...

Ayaan Joshi, a 17-year-old high school student and aspiring competitive swimmer, had always been exceptionally flexible. Over the past year, he began experiencing severe, shooting neck pain and numbness in his fingers during swim practice. His times slowed, and he started having dizzy spells when turning his head quickly. An MRI revealed a congenital Cranio Vertebral Junction (CVJ) anomaly where his skull was compressing his spinal cord. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that while Ayaan had likely had this condition his whole life, his rapid growth spurt and intense physical activity had now made it dangerous. Trans Oral Decompression was recommended to remove the bony compression through his mouth, avoiding a scar and allowing a quicker return to activity. The surgery was daunting, but Ayaan was determined to get back in the pool. Post-surgery, he spent a week in the hospital on a liquid diet, feeling frustrated but supported. After three months of careful physiotherapy, the numbness was gone, and the neck pain was minimal. While he had to permanently give up the butterfly stroke, he was cleared to swim freestyle again. Emotionally, he journeyed from the fear of losing his athletic identity to profound gratitude for a second chance, learning to channel his competitive spirit into his recovery.