Traumatic-Brain-Injury-Case-Saqi

Case：Saqi from Japan

Nationality：

Japan

Age：

2 years old

Diagnosis：

Traumatic Brain Injury

Admission Date：

June 2008

Background

Saqi, a 2-year-old Japanese girl, has encephalitis. She was admitted to our Beijing hospital due to over-one-year consciousness disturbance and 4-limb movement disorder. Born full- term and normally delivered, her Apgar score is unknown. Her early development was normal: sitting at 5 months, rolling at 7 months, and crawling at 8 months.

At 9 months, she had high fever, shivering, convulsions, and consciousness disturbance. Diagnosed with "bacterial meningitis" at a local hospital, she received unknown medications with satisfactory results. During treatment, a head CT showed hydrocephalus, so she underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt, with partial relief, and was discharged after 3 months.

A month after discharge, the bacterial meningitis relapsed. During further local treatment, the shunt got obstructed. As the hydrocephalus was temporarily relieved, the shunt tube wasn't changed. Given unknown symptomatic meds, she was discharged after 2 months. Now, she has unclear consciousness, no speech or cognitive ability, eyes fixed left, poor external responses, and high 4 - limb muscle tension.

Pre-Treatment Condition（Before Stem Cell Treatment）

Her consciousness remained clouded, leaving her in a state of mental confusion;
Speech was entirely absent; she was unable to utter a single word;
Cognitive abilities were non - existent, making it impossible for her to process or understand information;
Both of her eyes were constantly fixated to the left, as if her gaze was locked in that direction;
Her responses to external stimuli were severely limited, showing little to no reaction to the world around her;
The muscle tension in all four of her limbs was significantly elevated compared to normal levels, causing stiffness and restricted movement.

Treatment Plan

One course of stem cell therapy
Surgical method: Lumbar puncture
Efficacy monitoring plan over 6 to 12 months post-treatment

After the First Course ofTreatment (6Months)

1. The muscle tension in her limbs has been remarkably alleviated. She can now move her arms and legs more freely, with a visible reduction in the stiffness that previously restricted her movement;
2. She has become much more sensitive to pain and other stimulations. Even a slight touch or a minor change in the environment can now elicit a more pronounced reaction from her, which indicates an improvement in her nervous system's functionality.

Symptom	Improvement
Clouded consciousness	Reduced limb spasticity; improved arm/leg mobility;
Severe cognitive deficits	Sensory Improvement;
Left gaze fixation	Heightened sensitivity to pain/environmental stimuli;
High limb spasticity; stiffness	Regained voluntary movement (e.g., limb extension).

Progress Summary & Future Outlook

Saqi's recent positive changes are promising signs. With continued stem-cell treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation, the alleviation of limb muscle tension will likely progress further. This could lead to better limb mobility, perhaps enabling her to sit, stand, or even take her first steps in the future.

As her sensitivity to stimulations improves, it may also enhance her cognitive development. She might gradually regain the ability to recognize people and objects, and eventually, start to speak. Overall, there's great potential for her to break free from her current limitations and lead a more normal life.