Asiya ManghrioPakistani girl with frontonasal encephalocele
Country: Pakistan
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Content:
- A Pakistani Girl's Tragic Plight
- Encephalocele: A Critical Condition
- Aasia's Struggle
- Financial Hardship
- Urgent Appeal for Assistance
- The Future of Aasia
- The Significance of Encephalocele
A Pakistani Girl's Tragic Plight
A young Pakistani girl named Aasia Mangrio suffers from a rare birth defect known as frontoethmoidal encephalocele, a condition that has left her with a monstrous nose, larger than two tennis balls, obstructing her ability to eat, drink, or even breathe properly.
Encephalocele: A Critical Condition
Encephalocele is a neural tube defect that affects the brain. It develops during pregnancy when the neural tube fails to close completely, resulting in an opening in the skull, allowing part of the brain tissue to protrude outside.
Aasia's Struggle
Aasia's family has endured prejudice and superstition due to her condition. Some believe she is cursed, while others have been cruel to both her and her parents. Her massive nose has made it difficult for her to eat, sleep, and breathe. Desperate for her daughter's well-being, her parents have sought medical help but have been faced with an alarming delay in surgery.
Financial Hardship
Aasia's father, a farmer, earns only the equivalent of 7,800 rubles per month, making it impossible to afford private medical care. The family has already sold their only gold bracelet to cover the costs of their journey to Karachi for medical consultation.
Urgent Appeal for Assistance
A neurologist has confirmed Aasia's diagnosis and recommended immediate surgery, but the hospital has postponed the procedure due to a backlog of cases. Aasia's parents are desperate for government assistance to expedite the surgery, fearing that their daughter's condition could worsen if left untreated.
The Future of Aasia
Aasia's family hopes for a future where she can live a healthy life like other children. The surgery offers them the only chance to correct her condition and improve her quality of life. However, the delay in treatment poses a serious threat to her well-being.
The Significance of Encephalocele
Encephalocele is a serious birth defect affecting approximately one in 10,000 newborns in the United States. While it is a complex condition with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development, there are currently no known ways to prevent it. However, research continues to investigate potential risk factors and preventive measures.