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Teen's Pain Misdiagnosed: Finally Solved by Neurosurgeon
22 Mar
Summary
- A teenager's severe pain was initially dismissed by doctors as psychosomatic.
- Neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Kerr identified a rare spinal arachnoid web.
- Surgery successfully relieved the chronic pain after months of suffering.
A Spring teenager, Myra Fennell, faced nearly three months of debilitating pain, with doctors initially attributing her symptoms to psychological causes. Her condition, characterized by severe abdominal, side, and back pain, led her to consult seven different medical professionals without finding an answer. The pain was so intense, rated at a '9 out of 10,' that it significantly impacted her daily life, including missing school and physical activities.
Dr. Keith Kerr, a neurosurgeon, eventually identified subtle abnormalities in Myra's spinal column. He diagnosed her with spinal arachnoid webs, a rare condition often underdiagnosed. These webs, formed by thickened membranes around the spinal cord, obstructed cerebrospinal fluid flow and caused her neurological problems and chronic pain.
Myra underwent surgery on January 20 to remove the abnormal tissue. Following the procedure, she experienced immediate relief from the severe pain and a return of strength in her legs. Though her recovery involved physical therapy, she has since been able to return to school and hopes to resume athletic activities soon.
