A life-saving surgery has successfully reduced the size of a baby’s unusually large head by nearly 30cm. Referred to as the ‘ghost baby’ and nicknamed ‘giant head,’ Mrityunjay experienced significant swelling, reaching 96cm, due to hydrocephalus—a condition causing an accumulation of excess fluid in the brain. A surgical intervention, draining 3.7 litres of fluid from his skull, resulted in a remarkable reduction, bringing the size down to 70cm within just a month and a half.
Mrityunjay suffers from hydrocephalus that results in excess fluid build up on the brain
After undergoing surgery, the baby’s head, initially measuring 96cm, has been successfully reduced to 70cm. Hailing from Ranpur State, India, the infant is scheduled for cranoplasty to reshape the deformed skull.
Dr. Dilip Parida, superintendent of the AIIMS hospital in Bhuwaneshwar, shared, ‘The child was admitted on November 20 with the head containing almost 5.5 liters of fluid. We have removed 3.7 liters of fluid so far through external ventricular drainage. Now, the circumference of the head has come down from 96cm to 70cm. The cognitive functions of the child have improved significantly, and he is stable, responding well to the treatment.’
Unfortunately, Mrityunjay’s parents, Kamalesh Das and Kavita, reveal that their family has faced social ostracization in their local community due to their son’s deformity. Kamalesh, 35, who works in Kolkata, lamented, ‘People would label our baby as a ‘ghost’ because of his unusual appearance.’
The baby’s head looks smaller after the procedure. He is now set to have cranoplasty to reshape his deformed skull
Mrityunjay’s parents, Kavita and Kamalesh, express their hope that as their son’s head returns to a normal size, the attitude of their neighbors and villagers will change. They anticipate an end to derogatory names like ‘barka matha’ (giant head) or ‘ghost baby,’ believing that with this transformation, Mrityunjay will be able to lead a normal life. Grateful for the assistance of the doctors, Kamalesh stated, ‘Now, I am sure that he will be able to lead a normal life. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the doctors.’
The medical treatment, which would have cost around £6,000, is being covered by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), India’s premier hospital that provides free treatment to patients. Mrityunjay’s case is not unique, as medical records mention another baby, Roona Begum from Tripura, India, whose head swelled to 94cm due to the same condition.
Mrityunjay’s parents and doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)