How to deal with critical spinal injuries? Timely action, rehabilitation make the difference

In 2008, Kashyap Rawat was rendered completely paralytic due extensive injuries suffered during a terrorist attack in Connaught Place in Delhi. Only 25 years of age then, he remained on ventilator for nearly four weeks.

Rawat took two and a half years to fully recover and stand on his feet again.

"His injuries were extensive," Rajendra Prasad, a senior consultant and spine surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said.

Rawat was brought to the hospital with cervical spinal injury with complete paralysis from neck down, tracheal and oesophageal injury. His lung had collapsed and there were fractures in left radius and ulna (bones in the forearm) and left fibula (leg bone), Prasad said.

"We did multiple surgeries to remove metal fragments from his body. He also required tracheostomy, an incision made in the windpipe to facilitate air passage for breathing," he added.

Rawat remained in the ICU for one month and spent another in the ward.

Now a resident of Vadodara in Gujarat, he thanks the doctors for the new life.

"Slowly with the help of physiotherapy and yoga, I have recovered from paralysis. Though I have regained much of my strength on my left side, the right side of my body is still not fully recovered," he said.

"I feel stiffness in my muscles because of which I cannot sit for more than an hour. I have to constantly move my legs. But thanks to the support from the doctors, I have come a long way from complete paralysis."
"The key in this case was the quick action by her family who safely took her to the hospital without any delay. She had paralysis of legs and lost her bladder function. Today, she is well and looking forward to her wedding shortly."