What symptoms did Elliot show before his spinal TB diagnosis?

Elliot exhibited an unusual gait, walking with his hips swinging wide and knees touching, along with weight loss and leg weakness.

Why did doctors initially dismiss Megan West's concerns about Elliot?

Doctors initially believed Elliot's symptoms were due to viral infections or attention-seeking behavior due to having a new baby sister.

What is spinal tuberculosis and how is it treated?

Spinal tuberculosis is a rare bacterial infection affecting the spine. It is treated with surgery and a course of antibiotics.

Home / Health / Mum's Plea Ignored: Son's TB Missed by Doctors

Mum's Plea Ignored: Son's TB Missed by Doctors

10 Jan

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Summary

Boy's unusual gait was dismissed by doctors as attention-seeking behavior.
Spinal tuberculosis was finally diagnosed after months of dismissed concerns.
Delayed diagnosis led to surgery and potential further treatment for the child.

Mum's Plea Ignored: Son's TB Missed by Doctors

A mother expressed frustration after her young son's serious illness was initially overlooked. She noticed her son, Elliot, developing an "odd" gait in December 2024, but multiple GP visits failed to yield a diagnosis.

Doctors attributed his symptoms, including a peculiar walking style and weight loss, to viral infections or attention-seeking behavior due to the arrival of a baby sister. It wasn't until June 2025, after an X-ray prompted by his complaints of leg weakness, that spinal tuberculosis was identified.

Elliot underwent surgery and antibiotic treatment. He currently faces mobility restrictions and may require further surgery. His mother emphasizes the importance of listening to parental concerns, especially as TB is uncommon and difficult to diagnose in children.

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