Megan West became deeply concerned when her four-year-old son, Elliot, began walking with a noticeable limp and an unusual gait in December 2024. Despite her repeated visits to their family doctor, she was told that Elliot’s strange way of walking was merely a bid for attention, possibly due to jealousy over their new baby sister.
Elliot’s symptoms included walking with his feet turned outward, swinging his hips widely, and extending his arms awkwardly. Initially, doctors suspected viral infections and reassured Megan that Elliot was neurologically fine. His weight loss was dismissed as normal, being “skinny like his dad,” and he was deemed ineligible for further dietary evaluation.
It wasn’t until June 2025, after an emergency department visit and an X-ray, that the true cause emerged: spinal tuberculosis (TB), a rare bacterial infection affecting the vertebrae. The X-ray also revealed calcified lymph nodes in Elliot’s lungs, indicating a prior lung infection.
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Tuberculosis, often associated with poor living conditions and overcrowding, is now rare in developed countries, making Elliot’s diagnosis unexpected. Megan reflects on missed opportunities for earlier detection and the frustration of feeling ignored by healthcare providers: “We went to the GP many times, but they kept dismissing it as a viral infection.”
The severity of the disease became clear when doctors warned that Elliot’s spine was at risk of collapsing. He underwent surgery and began a rigorous course of antibiotics. Currently, Elliot is limited to short walks and spends most of his time recovering at home. Another surgery might be necessary if follow-up scans show the TB mass hasn’t reduced sufficiently.
Despite the challenges, Megan holds no grudges against her GP, understanding the difficulty of diagnosing TB in children. However, she urges parents to trust their instincts and persist if they feel something is wrong. “Kids don’t fake things for too long for attention,” she says.
According to the NHS, tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, including bones, lymph nodes, and the brain. If untreated, it can cause serious complications. Symptoms beyond cough and lung issues can include swollen glands, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, and neurological signs such as headaches and confusion.
Elliot’s story is a reminder of the importance of vigilance, persistence, and compassionate care in the face of rare medical conditions.