• Doctors remove 77 needles from teen's skull in Odisha

    National
    Doctors remove 77 needles from teen's skull in Odisha
    Reshma, who has been experiencing frequent illnesses since her mother's demise four years ago, sought help from a sorcerer in 2021. The presence of the needles was only discovered recently when she complained of persistent pain.

    Digital Desk: Doctors at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla, Odisha, performed a second surgery on a 19-year-old girl, during which an additional seven needles were extracted from her skull. This procedure followed an initial operation where 70 needles had already been removed.

    The patient, Reshma Behera, hailing from Ichgaon under Sindhikela police limits in Bolangir district, is currently under observation. Medical professionals are monitoring her closely to evaluate any additional health concerns that may have prompted her to seek assistance from a sorcerer.

    "So far, a total of 77 needles have been retrieved from the girl's head through two surgeries. Thankfully, these needles did not cause any bone injuries, but there are soft tissue injuries on her head," stated Director Bhabagrahi Rath.

    Rath emphasized the need for a thorough diagnosis, cautioning against assuming that the issues were purely psychological.

    Reshma, who has been experiencing frequent illnesses since her mother's demise four years ago, sought help from a sorcerer in 2021. The presence of the needles was only discovered recently when she complained of persistent pain. Initially admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital with severe headaches, a CT scan revealed multiple needles embedded in her skull. Despite the removal of eight needles, her condition did not improve, prompting her referral to VIMSAR for specialized treatment.

    The alleged quack has been apprehended, and the Kantabanji police are investigating the possibility of other victims subjected to similar needle insertions by the sorcerer. Reshma's condition, now stable, requires ongoing post-operative care at VIMSAR for approximately a week.