Rescue 14 year old girl with severe brain injury

Girl S. (14 years old, Cambodian nationality) was riding her bicycle in her hometown when unfortunately a collision occurred causing her to fall into a deep coma, seriously damaging many organs and suffering a severe traumatic brain injury.

After the traumatic brain injury, during the first 10 days at home, he was put on a ventilator via endotracheal tube, fed through a nasogastric tube, had blood transfusions and received intensive treatment. Although he had passed the critical stage, the hope of recovery seemed far-fetched. After 1 month, his family took him to City International Hospital (HCMC) for further treatment in the hope that a miracle could come to him.

Severe central nervous system damage after traumatic brain injury

Upon receiving the patient, the pediatrician team immediately determined that this was an extremely serious case. The central nervous system was severely damaged, the liver and kidneys had not recovered, muscle strength was reduced, and reflexes were weak. The child had almost completely lost the ability to communicate and move, and was completely dependent on medical care.

On August 8, specialist doctor Nguyen Thi Hong Cam (Pediatrics Department, City International Hospital) said: We not only treat organ damage, but also have to activate each vital ability of the child from active breathing, swallowing reflex, alertness, to emotions and perception. It is a process that requires patience, expertise and deep empathy.

The treatment regimen is comprehensively implemented from intravenous nutrition with individualized nutrition, pressure ulcer treatment, infection control, combined with daily physical therapy to maintain respiratory function and restart central nervous system activity.

Follow every vital sign of the baby

10 days after being admitted to the hospital, a short but heavy period of time, the baby began to react to surrounding stimuli such as moving eyes, shaking hands and moving slightly. To others, these were normal signs. But to the medical team, these were the first signs of a positive recovery.

Each day that passes, the patient makes small steps forward, such as being able to eat a few spoonfuls of milk, breathing naturally, making a few discrete sounds… The process of improving the child's general condition is clearly changing in his small body.

The girl's journey to recovery

PHOTO. NH

"In particular, the girl's journey is also a story of trust and sharing. Her father, a dedicated teacher with volunteer classes for many years, has become a bridge of love, when students, friends, neighbors, even people they have never met, together send wishes, donate every penny, and join hands to support the girl," Dr. Hong Cam shared.

It was the warm encouragement from the community at home and the efforts of the Vietnamese medical team that helped the baby and his family overcome the challenge and recover positively.

According to Dr. Cam, although S. has been discharged from the hospital, her recovery journey is still long. She will continue to do physical therapy at home, monitor her neurological indicators, and gradually practice movement and communication. But the miracle was written by her, a skinny Cambodian girl who was once at risk of living a "vegetative life", now smiles to welcome many hopes ahead.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuu-be-gai-14-tuoi-bi-chan-thuong-so-nao-nang-18525080809440676.htm