Prosper E., 9

The above named is a 9-year-old boy brought to the hospital with a 2-month history of progressive neurological decline, characterized by reduced level of consciousness, inability to speak, and inability to walk. These symptoms have gradually worsened over time, pointing to raised intracranial pressure and disruption Of higher neurological functions. The child's presenting features are consistent with space-occupying lesion in the third ventricle, obstructing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and causing severe obstructive hydrocephalus. The progressive nature of symptoms suggests an expanding lesion with increasing mass effect and decompensated hydrocephalus. Brain MRI revealed a third ventricular tumour associated with marked dilatation of the lateral ventricles and third ventricle, confirming severe obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumour is likely arising from structures around the third ventricle such as craniopharyngioma, colloid cyst, ependymoma, or astrocytoma.

Emeka Prosper, a young boy, first presented with fever and was rushed to Customs Hospital Karu Site in Abuja, where he was admitted for three days. Upon discharge in June 2025, he could no longer walk and began experiencing recurrent seizures. He was referred to Asokoro General Hospital and later to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where an MRI revealed a third ventricular tumour with severe obstructive hydrocephalus compressing the midbrain, leading to raised intracranial pressure, loss of consciousness, speech, and mobility. A family member brought him to Kaduna for specialist care, and he was referred to our facility at Epsilon. When the treatment bill was presented, his mother — a widow raising five children — broke down in tears, as she had no means to cover the cost. The hospital team then introduced her to the Helpster charity, which supports indigent patients, and she gratefully accepted for Emeka to be admitted as a beneficiary, with visible relief on her face. We promptly performed surgery, inserting a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to relieve the pressure from the hydrocephalus. Following the procedure, Emeka showed remarkable early improvement: he regained partial consciousness, began responding to his name (initially with teeth gnashing), and within days his speech became audible though not yet fully understandable. His eyes opened, though vision remains impaired for now. After 20 days of dedicated postoperative care, monitoring, and rehabilitation, Emeka was discharged in a much better condition than at presentation. In the coming weeks, with continued physiotherapy and follow-up, we anticipate further recovery in his speech, mobility, and vision, provided the prolonged pressure has not caused irreversible nerve damage. Helpster’s timely intervention has been crucial in giving this child a fighting chance.

Emeka Prosper has a third ventricular tumour with severe obstructive hydrocephalus, causing progressive neurological decline due to raised intracranial pressure. The prognosis depends on the nature of the tumour, extent of resection achieved, and resolution of hydrocephalus, with early surgical intervention critical to prevent irreversible neurological deficits. With timely and effective treatment, Emeka may experience significant improvement, but postoperative care and monitoring will be essential to address potential complications and support neuro-rehabilitation.