In Grapevine, Texas, a 15-year-old high school wrestler has astounded medical professionals with his rapid and unexpected recovery following a severe spinal injury. In an event celebrating trauma survivors, Angel Hernandez expressed gratitude to the medical team and first responders who played a pivotal role in his treatment.
Angel’s ordeal began during a high school wrestling match on January 11, 2024, when a high-risk maneuver led to him being slammed onto his head. The traumatic event initially left him with a numbing sensation throughout his body and fears of having lost the ability to walk as well as his beloved sport. Rushed to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, a level one trauma center, Angel’s injuries were assessed as substantial damage to his C5-C6 vertebrae.
Dr. Ryan Balogh, the trauma surgeon on duty, together with Baylor neurosurgeon Dr. David Masel, quickly determined that Angel required emergency surgery to alleviate bleeding around the spinal cord. In light of the severity of his injuries, Angel’s prognosis was grim, with doctors anticipating the likelihood of permanent paralysis.
To the medical staff’s amazement, Angel began showing signs of movement a few days post-surgery, defying all expectations by walking out of the hospital within a week. Dr. Balogh described Angel’s recovery as “miraculous,” considering the grievous nature of his spinal injury.
Source: NBC DFW