Running around and playing is so much a part of a child’s life that it is often taken for granted, but this can change in the blink of an eye. Ten-year-old Rishi was brought to Madhipura Christian Hospital (MCH), unconscious and gasping. He had been bitten by a snake, and, as is the usual practice, was taken to a local witch doctor. He was given some local potions with the usual incantations, but when he became unconscious, he was brought to MCH.

Rishi was intubated, ventilated, and given antivenom. A few days later, he was extubated, but his sensory levels were low and he had no head control. He was unable to recognize his family members or speak, and he also had a few seizures. Hypoxic brain injury was suspected since he had not been breathing properly for a prolonged period of time. Rishi’s family took him for an MRI at the nearest center 3 hours away in Purnea. When the MRI showed no structural issues, he was sent home with exercises, play-based home stimulation, and a plan for follow-up. Rishi’s family lacked hope, but the MCH staff assured them that his recovery would likely take some time and therapy.

Rishi visited MCH’s outpatient therapy department regularly after that, with his initial sessions focused on improving his upper body control and speech. He was taught skills for daily living, and they worked to improve his balance and cognition. Each small step of progress was celebrated, and it was a joy to see him first sit and then stand, with support. He got to know the team quite well as his memory improved, and he was happy to come for therapy sessions. Over a period of 8 months, Rishi kept improving, a miracle right before the staff’s eyes! His seizures also stopped and he was weaned off antiepileptic medications. Rishi is now able to walk independently and take care of himself. He is also speaking, reading, and writing, just as he did before his illness, and he hopes to return to school as soon as COVID-19 allows.