Condition of Magura child deteriorates again, doctors report brain is unresponsive

The health condition of the eight-year-old child from Magura, who was severely injured and is currently on life support, has worsened once more, according to doctors. 

The medical team treating the child revealed that the child’s brain is now unresponsive due to prolonged oxygen deprivation during the incident.

A member of the medical board, speaking to Prothom Alo on Tuesday morning, said, "There was some improvement in the child‍‍`s condition on Monday, but today, the child’s brain has become unresponsive." 

The child’s brain had been deprived of oxygen when an attempt was made to strangle her during the assault, leaving her unattended in this critical condition until she was finally taken to the hospital at 11 AM the next day. 

The extended lack of oxygen caused significant brain damage.

Doctors explained that the child‍‍`s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), used to measure the level of consciousness following brain injuries, had dropped back to 3, a level considered to be completely unresponsive. 

Normally, a GCS score of 15 indicates full consciousness. On Monday, the child’s GCS had briefly risen to 5, sparking hope for improvement, but that progress has now reversed.

The child’s cousin shared with Prothom Alo that doctors warned the family that her condition has worsened significantly, stating, "Today, the situation is not looking good."

The case came to light last Thursday when the child was found unconscious and taken to Magura‍‍`s 250-bed hospital by her sister’s mother-in-law. 

Shortly afterward, the child’s mother arrived at the hospital. Later that day, the child was transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for more advanced care. 

By that night, she was moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to the severity of her condition, and by Friday night, she was placed on life support. 

On Saturday evening, the critically ill child was transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, where she remains under close observation.

A specialized medical board of eight expert doctors has been formed to oversee the child’s treatment at CMH, headed by the hospital‍‍`s Chief Surgeon. 

This team includes specialists in surgery, pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, urology, and plastic surgery, who are working together to assess the child‍‍`s condition and explore potential treatment options.

In connection with the incident, the child’s mother has filed a case alleging rape. 

The accused include the child’s brother-in-law, along with her sister’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law, all of whom have been arrested and are now in remand for questioning.

This tragic incident has left the family and medical team holding on to hope, but the child‍‍`s condition remains critical as doctors continue their efforts to save her life.