A 14-year-old boy from Israel is dealing with a severe spinal cord injury after a visit to an amusement park, a rare and alarming case that has medical experts at Sheba Children's Hospital in Tel Aviv on high alert.
Dr. Oren Feldman, Director of Emergency Medicine at Sheba, highlighted the unusual nature of the incident, noting that spinal cord edema of this magnitude is extremely uncommon, with cases typically seen once a year or less. The teenager, who reportedly visited the park and engaged in high-speed, spinning rides, began experiencing back pain and alarming paralysis symptoms shortly thereafter.
"The initial impact was to his chest, but there were no visible external injuries," explained Dr. Feldman. "By nightfall, he awoke with excruciating back pain and complete loss of motor function in his limbs. Upon arrival at our hospital, he exhibited severe weakness throughout his body, indicative of significant spinal cord involvement."
Diagnostic imaging swiftly confirmed the presence of spinal cord edema, necessitating immediate intensive care treatment. While the boy has shown slight improvement in upper body mobility, his lower limbs remain paralyzed, posing a complex challenge for his ongoing care and recovery.
"We are focused on stabilizing his condition and preventing further complications," stated Dr. Feldman. "Rehabilitation will be intensive and long-term, aimed at maximizing his functional recovery and quality of life."
Spinal cord injuries can result in profound disability due to the disruption of nerve signals crucial for bodily function. The medical team stresses the importance of rapid medical attention for anyone experiencing sudden onset back pain and paralysis, underscoring the critical window for intervention in such cases.
The family, deeply shaken by the incident, remains steadfast in their support for the teenager's recovery journey. As medical experts continue to monitor his progress, the focus remains on comprehensive rehabilitation efforts to optimize his chances for eventual mobility and independence.
* Walla contributed to this report.