25-Year-Old Indian Techie in UK Nearly Paralyzed by Delayed Back Pain Diagnosis

A 25-year-old software engineer from Hyderabad, working in the UK, experienced a rapid decline in health due to delayed diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. Initially, he attributed his back pain to normal strain, but the condition escalated, leading to partial paralysis.

The techie, referred to as Ravi (name changed), began experiencing mild back pain three months prior. Initially, over-the-counter painkillers provided relief. However, symptoms progressed to leg weakness, tingling sensations, and reduced stamina. Despite seeking medical attention, the earliest available CT scan appointment was two months away.

During this waiting period, Ravi's condition deteriorated, resulting in him being wheelchair-bound upon returning to Hyderabad.

Upon arrival in Hyderabad, urgent tests revealed that Ravi was suffering from spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s spine, accompanied by an epidural abscess compressing his spinal cord at the D7–8 vertebral levels. Emergency decompression surgery was performed, followed by a regimen of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Despite these interventions, Ravi experienced paraparetic symptoms and loss of bladder control, indicating permanent neurological damage.

Spinal tuberculosis (TB), also known as Pott's disease, is a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that predominantly affects the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. It accounts for approximately half of all musculoskeletal TB cases and is more prevalent among children and young adults. The disease is characterized by the destruction of intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral bodies, leading to vertebral collapse and the formation of a kyphotic deformity, commonly referred to as a "gibbus.

Clinically, patients often present with constitutional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats, alongside localized back pain and tenderness. ¹

Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist based in Hyderabad, emphasized the critical importance of timely diagnosis and intervention. He noted that delays in obtaining diagnostic imaging can transform treatable conditions into permanent disabilities. Dr. Kumar advised that individuals experiencing persistent back pain accompanied by leg weakness, numbness, or bladder issues should seek immediate medical attention.

Many people criticized the delay in getting basic health tests abroad that eventually leads to a delay in diagnosis of any major health problems.

Dr. Sudhir also noted that Indian Health care facilities are much easier to access than healthcare abroad and provide immediate results to the concerned.

Reference

1. Kumar, S., et al. "Spinal Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review for the Modern Spine Surgeon." PubMed Central, 2011. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3184481/.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)