Kaber M., 2

Kaber Muhammad is 2years old. He is the 2nd child of his mother, but 9th child of his father. The child is yet to begin any form of formal education. His father is a messenger in the local government while his mother is a house wife with no job nor any formal education. The child was brought to the hospital on account of a progressively enlarging head size and a swelling at the lower back noticed shortly after birth. The hydrocephalus ruptured on the day the child was born and the hospital where she gave birth dressed the wound and referred her to ABU Shikka where surgery was advised but because they did not have money for the surgery, she brought the child back home and was always dressing the wound. He presents with poor growth, abnormally large head with signs of raised intracranial pressure, a lumbosacral swelling with thin, ulcerated overlying skin, and neurological deficits, including reduced lower limb movement and loss of sphincter control. Upon presentation at our hospital , and after further evaluation, he was diagnosed with lumbosacral myelomeningocele associated with hydrocephalus (spina bifida with Chiari II malformation spectrum).

Kaber child was admitted with lumbosacral myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus after months of delayed care, presenting with a large head, a ruptured lower back swelling, and neurological deficits affecting movement and bladder control. There was repaire of the spinal defect and a shunt was inserted to relieve brain pressure, He spent about 14 days on admission recovering with painkillers and antibiotics. After surgery, his head size returned to normal and he showed significant improvement, with doctors noting a favorable outlook while emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up to reduce risks of motor weakness and infections. His mother who had been with him all the while was excitted to her son look normal for the first time since he was born.

The doctor believes that with early intervention and proper treatment, the child's prognosis is favorable in terms of survival and quality of life. However, the child is at risk of long-term complications such as motor weakness, gait abnormalities, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The doctor emphasizes the importance of parental counseling and long-term follow-up to optimize outcomes and promote functional independence.