A 53-year-old man has made a remarkable recovery after being admitted to a hospital in Delhi in a semi-comatose state due to a brain haemorrhage. His medical journey spanned two and a half years, during which he underwent six surgeries and was hospitalized nine times. After this extensive treatment, he has returned to living independently.
Investigations revealed tuberculosis of the skull bone, an exceptionally uncommon condition rarely seen after brain surgery, according to the hospital. His condition was further complicated by a bleeding disorder, low platelet levels and the use of Ecosprin for a heart condition, making emergency surgery highly risky. Doctors performed an emergency decompressive brain surgery to remove the blood clot. Since the brain had swollen extensively, a portion of the skull was temporarily left open to relieve pressure and prevent permanent brain damage. His recovery, however, was complicated by seizures, following which doctors performed another surgery to replace the skull bone. The patient’s own skull bone, which had been preserved in a bone bank, was used for the procedure. Several months later, the patient developed discharge from the surgical wound. Towards the end of the treatment, the patient developed optic neuritis as a complication of anti-tuberculosis medication, resulting in partial loss of vision.
The patient was brought to the emergency department after suddenly losing consciousness due to a spontaneous brain haemorrhage that caused severe swelling inside the brain.
Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said the patient’s treatment became particularly challenging after he developed tuberculosis of the skull bone, an exceptionally rare complication following brain surgery. Soon afterwards, another blood clot developed beneath the replaced skull bone, necessitating an immediate repeat brain surgery, doctors said. The condition was detected early, treatment was modified and rehabilitation was continued under medical supervision, according to the hospital.
