This woman survived 'decapitation'—how is she still alive?

A traumatic accident left one woman facing a life-or-death situation, but her incredible journey back to health is nothing short of astonishing.

What started as a routine fall on the soccer field in 2005 led to years of unimaginable challenges and groundbreaking medical procedures.

Her story takes us through moments of excruciating pain, baffling diagnoses, and a rare condition that baffled doctors.


In 2005, Megan King was just 16 when a routine fall during a soccer match left her with life-threatening injuries.

The impact caused her skull to nearly detach from her spine, a condition known as internal decapitation.

Despite more than 30 surgeries and extensive medical care, her condition worsened over time, leaving her in agonising pain.


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Teen survives internal decapitation after soccer accident. Image source: Instagram/thetravelinghaloofhope


Her body, unable to heal properly, caused her muscles to tear and joints to weaken, prompting doctors to search for answers.

In 2015, after a decade of uncertainty, Megan was finally diagnosed with hypermobile Ehler's-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a rare genetic disorder that affects collagen production.

The disorder prevented her bones from staying together properly, contributing to her ongoing struggles.

In 2016, she had to wear a halo brace—a metal device screwed directly into her skull to keep her head stable.

However, in a terrifying moment during surgery to remove the device, her skull nearly detached again, leading to a life-threatening emergency.


She recalled the ordeal: ‘I flew my chair back to keep gravity from decapitating me.’

Her neurosurgeon had to physically hold her skull in place as she struggled with uncontrollable shaking.

An emergency surgery was performed, fusing her skull back to her spine and ultimately saving her life.

Despite waking up unable to move her head at all, Megan faced the reality of her new existence.

Now, after 37 surgeries, her skull was fixed to her spine all the way down to her pelvis, meaning she could no longer move her head.


This procedure, called spinal fusion, fused the bones in her spine to prevent movement.

‘I'm literally a human statue. My spine doesn't move at all. But that doesn't mean I've stopped living,’ she said.

Her journey was filled with unimaginable pain and challenges, but Megan was determined to keep going.

Through her determination and the help of dedicated medical professionals, she continues to heal from her injuries, even if it means living with permanent physical limitations.


Her story serves as an incredible testament to resilience in the face of adversity.

To truly understand the medical complexities of what happened to Megan, it's essential to grasp the science behind internal decapitation.

Watch this video to dive deeper into the condition and see how it affects the body.


Source: Youtube/zackdfilms



On the other hand, this incredible story of recovery will leave you in awe of the human spirit.

Watch this video to see how another woman overcame internal decapitation and is now preparing for a 10k.

You won’t want to miss her journey!


Source: Youtube/FOX 17 WXMI​


Key Takeaways
  • Megan King's fall during a soccer match in 2005 caused her skull to nearly detach from her spine, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
  • Despite over 30 surgeries, her condition worsened, leading to the discovery of hypermobile Ehler's-Danlos syndrome (hEDS).
  • During surgery in 2016, her skull almost detached again, requiring an emergency operation to fuse her skull back to her spine.
  • After 37 surgeries, Megan's spine was fused, making her unable to move her head, but she continues to live with resilience and determination.

Megan's journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. What do you think it takes to keep going after facing such unimaginable challenges?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
 

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Such an horrific ordeal for this poor young woman....the medical professionals need applauding for their dedicated work and coming up with a permanent yet restrictive solution to her severe condition. Hope and pray that she will now be able to restore the life that she has missed since her devastating injury. Best of luck Megan, keep on smiling.🤗
 
lt's terrible what happens to some people and this poor girl is no exception.
My heart goes out to her and all she has gone through. She deserves a medal for
all she is putting up with. l hope and pray they can make things better for her,
 
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