From Wheelchair To Walking: Al Shagira's Inspiring Recovery After Severe Brain Injury

Eleven-year-old Al Shagira has made significant strides in her recovery journey at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital. After battling a severe brain infection, she has taken her first unaided steps. This achievement comes just months after she was left unable to speak or move due to bacterial meningitis, which led to an intracranial haemorrhage.

Upon her admission in October 2024, Al Shagira faced immense challenges. She exhibited significant weakness on her left side and struggled with communication. Her condition required complete dependence on others for daily tasks. Initially, she was non-verbal and unable to follow commands, relying entirely on assistance for feeding, mobility, and personal care.

Dr. Ashraf Elbatal, Clinical Lead and Consultant Paediatrician at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, stated, "We were excited and grateful to be managing a very complex case." He explained that Al Shagira's recovery involved addressing life-threatening postoperative complications like intraventricular haemorrhage and status epilepticus through a multidisciplinary approach.

The dedicated team at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital played a crucial role in Al Shagira's recovery. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and nursing staff collaborated to create a personalised rehabilitation programme for her. This comprehensive care gradually transformed her life.

Initially unable to move or sit up independently, Al Shagira began physiotherapy sessions. With time and encouragement from her family, she gained strength and relearned bed mobility and independent sitting. Eventually, she could transfer to a wheelchair and participate in group therapy sessions before walking with assistance.

"Her progression included developing independent bed mobility, strong trunk control, and improved balance," said Venus Bucoy Quirante, Physiotherapist at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital. "All the little victories built up her strength and confidence - it all came together when she stood up to walk with a rollator frame."

Occupational Therapy's Role

Occupational therapy was vital in helping Al Shagira regain independence in daily activities. Initially requiring full assistance for hygiene tasks, she gradually progressed to performing seated hygiene routines independently using adaptive equipment like a tilt-in-space wheelchair.

"We started with some basic level goals," said Deidre Diane Karfor, Occupational Therapist. "There was a major shift from needing a shower trolley to performing seated hygiene routines." Her proudest achievement was managing her own hygiene independently—a significant step towards restoring dignity.

Speech Therapy Enhancements

Al Shagira's communication skills also improved significantly through speech therapy. Initially non-verbal, she began using short phrases before progressing to full sentences as part of cognitive-communication therapy aimed at rebuilding expressive abilities.

Saranya Cheruvalath, Speech and Language Pathologist at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital noted that visual support helped address memory issues while enhancing attention span—skills essential not only for communication but also academic integration.

Nutritional Advancements

Al Shagira's nutritional intake saw remarkable improvements too; transitioning from tube-feeding to oral feeding through structured desensitisation programmes marked another milestone in her recovery journey.

By discharge time from the hospital setting into outpatient rehabilitation services—she walked confidently using a rollator frame while speaking fluently—and looked forward eagerly towards returning school life soon thereafter!

"Her story is a real example of the advanced medical expertise," Dr Ashraf Elbatal remarked proudly about this young girl's incredible progress under their care team efforts combined with family support throughout each stage along way forward together successfully achieved thus far already accomplished so much more yet still ahead potentially possible future outcomes remain hopeful optimistic outlooks remain bright shining brightly indeed!

With inputs from WAM