‘My son’s cranium was damaged aside and put collectively once more like a jigsaw’

Jul 18, 2023 at 6:25 PM
‘My son’s cranium was damaged aside and put collectively once more like a jigsaw’

Beau Harrison, two, underwent a outstanding surgical procedure to forestall his mind from being crushed on account of a uncommon situation known as craniosynostosis.

This situation, affecting one in 2,500 infants, happens when the joints within the cranium fuse collectively prematurely, limiting the mind’s development. If left untreated, it may well result in studying difficulties, eye issues, and even demise.

Beau’s 11-hour operation passed off at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the place surgeons fastidiously dismantled and rebuilt his cranium, piece by piece.

The intricate process concerned creating a spot in his cranium to permit the mind to develop correctly. Despite the numerous zig-zag scar throughout his head, Beau is predicted to make a full restoration.

Shortly after Beau’s start docs found he had hydrocephalus, a situation characterised by extra fluid on the mind. Surgeons inserted a shunt into his head to alleviate the situation.

However, Beau’s well being deteriorated, and he began experiencing seizures. Further checks revealed craniosynostosis was the underlying reason for his signs.

Beau’s mom, Shannon Wong, described the emotional rollercoaster she skilled. She mentioned: “He went from being the happiest little boy on this planet to being actually grumpy and refusing the eat.

“He was barely sleeping both, so we took him again to the hospital the place we came upon the shunt had failed.”

The diagnosis of craniosynostosis came as a shock to Shannon. She explained: “It’s not something we had ever experienced or had any idea about. It’s also quite rare with only four hospitals in the country specialising in the treatment.”

The surgical procedure that adopted was an intense 11-hour process, throughout which docs broke Beau’s cranium into a number of items and used dissolvable steel plates to increase and fuse it again collectively, “like a jigsaw puzzle”.

The restoration course of was difficult, however Beau’s resilience and optimistic angle amazed his mom. Shannon mentioned: “Beau is just the happiest boy in the world, he is so cheeky and loves literally anything with wheels. His absolute favourites are motorbikes, quad bikes, and excavators. I am so proud of him. The strength and determination he has shown is incredible. Beau never complains about anything and takes it all in his stride. Seeing him deal with it all so well keeps me going.”

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