Op may save mum from ‘decapitation’
A MIDLAND woman who suffers from a rare condition which could “internally decapitate” her at any moment will be driven 1,000 miles on her back for life-saving treatment.
Rachel Pighills, 35, was moving into a new house when she struck her head on a ceiling fan when she stood on a bed, leaving her with horrific injuries, in August 2018.
The mother, from Pershore, was diagnosed with atlanto axial instability and basilar invagination – meaning her brain is sinking into her spinal canal and her skull is sliding down onto her neck.
It means she can no longer turn her head the wrong way as each time she does her spine partially dislocates, increasing her risk of paralysis or death.
The horrific conditions has left her husband Guy “heartbroken and helpless” as he desperately hunts for treatments.
Mr Pighills, 41, is now planning to drive his wife 1,000 miles from their home to Barcelona after another surgeon offered to help. The couple will even buy an old ambulance so Mrs Pighills can lie on her back for the entire journey.
Mr Pighills, a quality inspector, said: “The risk is too great, and flying could cause more harm.
“To get to Barcelona, we’re thinking of hiring or buying an old ambulance and I’ll drive it myself. Driving an old ambulance is the best option.
“I know how severe it is for Rachel, even a bump in the road could be very serious for her. I would feel a bit more confident if I was driving.”
In January 2020, Mrs Pighills underwent Occipital Spinal Fusion surgery in the UK which was hoped would improve her quality of life.
But the surgery did not help, and tests later showed results of brainstem deficit and rapid deterioration of the function of critical areas.
Without brain and spinal surgeries, these could shut down completely at any time, leading to brainstem death.
Mrs Pighills said: “I can’t say I’m confident because there is such a long way to go. If I don’t get the surgery by the end of May, the more chances are that the damage will be permanent.”