Maryam Z., 1

Maryam is the only child of her parents, she came to the world about six months ago and lightened up her parents with joy, it was obvious for me to see during this interview. The father is currently seeking for a job as the family are struggling so hard in getting their daily bread. The mother is a house wife. They live in a room apartment with a pit toilet. They make use of water from the well for their daily activities. They have access to electricity. Maryam a 6-month-old female infant presented with head enlargement and lower back swelling since birth, it was shunted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). She was shunted one month of life at AKTH but no longer afford to go back there. On presentation at our hospital, she was evaluated and examinations revealed a sunken fontanelle, VP shunting in-site functioning and back swelling at the lumber region. She was diagnosed with Myelomeningocele with Anold- Chiary malformation type II & Post VP shunting. She is booked to have myelomeningocele surgical excision and repair. The parents don't have the means to pay for the bills that is why they contacted Helpster Charity through a volunteer to be assisted by Helpster Charity.

Maryam an 11-month-old female infant presented with head enlargement and lower back swelling since birth, it was shunted once at AICTH. On examination, sunken fontanella, VP shunting in-site functioning, back side swelling at the lumber region. She was diagnosed with Anold- Chiary malformation type II & Post VP shunting. Patient is to have myelomeningocele excision and repair. Following a successful surgery, patient was admitted in ward for post op and is responding well to treatment, child was discharged after hospital stay and asked to be coming for follow up as scheduled. The family appreciate Helpster Charity for assisting them with the bills

With early surgical repair, proper control of hydrocephalus (often via shunt), and multidisciplinary care, survival is good for Maryam. Cognitive development is often normal if hydrocephalus is well managed. Ongoing rehabilitation, orthopedic support, and urologic care are essential to optimize mobility, independence, and quality of life.