Maryam A., 0

Maryam is 3months old, she happens to be be last born among 7 children. The parents are living happily with all members of their family, he is a small scale business man, currently his business suffers a lot as he is currently struggling to send and feed his children to school. Maryam started presented with complaint of low back swelling from birth. The swelling has been progressively increasing in size without other associated swelling in any part of the body. They came to our facility to seek help. On presentation at our hospital, examination revealed a fully conscious female infant with patent anterior fontanelle while the posterior fontanelle is closed. No other associated swelling is observed anywhere in the body. A diagnosis of Lumbar Lip myelomeningocele was made. They don't have the money for the treatment, they drove about 250km seeking help from Helpster Charity.

Maryam, a 1-year-old female child diagnosed with lipomyelomeningocele underwent corrective surgery which was successful but developed severe postoperative complications. Despite intensive medical management and supportive care, her condition progressively deteriorated, resulting in death two days after surgery. The cause of death was postoperative complications associated with the congenital spinal anomaly. Despite the family's lost of the child, they still give thanks to the entire team of Helpster Charity for coming through for them.

The prognosis of lipomyelomeningocele depends on the severity of tethering, early detection, and prompt surgical intervention. When treated early—especially before significant neurological decline—children often maintain good motor function and bladder control. However, if symptoms like leg weakness, foot deformities, or urinary issues have already developed, recovery may be partial, and some deficits may persist. Long-term follow-up is essential because the spinal cord can retether as the child grows, requiring repeat surgery. With timely management and rehabilitation, many patients achieve stable neurological function and good quality of life, though lifelong monitoring of mobility, continence, and spine health is recommended.