Isabel Martin – Spinal Tumour – Chronic T4 complete
Isabel was born a normal healthy baby. ‘At the age of 8 months
Isabel was diagnosed with a large spinal tumor located in her mid
upper spine. There was no way to know if the tumor was benign or
malignant; as much of the tumor was removed however the radical
surgery left Isabel completely paralyzed from the waist down. Over
the years Isabel has also developed severe scoliosis and kyphosis
curvature of her spine.
MRI prior to commencing at HyperMED revealed a large mass re-growth
completely disrupting the thoracic spinal cord. The spinal cord
immediately above and below the mass has undergone atrophy
(wasting); in addition cord syringomyelia extends an additional
3-vertebral segments above the re-growth. In addition there is
evidence of subtle T2 hyperintensity extending up into the mid
cervical spinal cord.
‘Today we are more optimistic and hopeful than ever that Isabel will
regain function! We were considering a trip to the USA to take
advantage of Lokomat Robotic Walking to help retrain neurological
function when we read about HyperMED and that the Lokomat had
arrived Melbourne!
After only 40-hours in the hyperbaric chamber and 8-hours on the
Lokomat the changes Isabel began experiencing were amazing, and as
parents we are thrilled. Isabel can now initiate movement in her
pelvis and both legs. She can now lift both her legs up and down
repeatedly and continues to demonstrate increasing functional
changes and greater independence.
Isabel is very excited about the changes she sees and feels. We can
see she is much happier that we are doing something proactive to
help her regain as much function as possible. – She has always
asked, “When do you think I will be able to walk?” Of course we
don’t know the answer but it feels tangible.’ Cathryn (mother)
You can also see Isabel in action by clicking on the Media Files
below :
