Elvis K., 10

Elvis Kemboi is a 10-year-old boy who lives with his uncle after being abandoned by his mother shortly after birth because of his medical condition. His uncle has lovingly raised him as his own child despite significant financial hardship. Elvis was born with congenital hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the brain, causing his head to enlarge. He previously underwent surgery to insert a tube (VP shunt) to drain the excess fluid. A few weeks before this admission, he developed severe headaches, convulsions, weakness in both his arms and legs, difficulty walking, and neck stiffness. He was initially taken to Mbagathi Hospital but could not receive treatment because he was not enrolled in the national health insurance since they could not afford to pay for the premiums. He was then referred to PCEA Kikuyu Hospital through Helpster Charity. Further scans showed blood clot around the brain and that the fluid on the brain had increased despite the existing shunt. He therefore had to undergo two operations: one to remove the blood clot around the brain and another to replace the shunt so it could drain the fluid properly.

Elvis had a complex neurosurgical condition involving congenital hydrocephalus, a large collection of blood around the brain, and reduced function of his existing VP shunt. These conditions increased pressure within the brain and required urgent surgery to prevent permanent brain damage or death. The decision to evacuate the blood clot and revise the VP shunt was appropriate and lifesaving. His prognosis is encouraging because he received timely specialist care and has shown good recovery after surgery. With regular neurosurgical follow-up, monitoring of shunt function, rehabilitation, and prompt management of any future complications, he has a good chance of continued improvement.