In 2005, a high school gym class became a nightmare for Megan King, a then 16-year-old from Illinois. While playing soccer with schoolmates, Megan jumped to catch the ball and fell instantly to the ground. She endured a sprained ankle and damage to her spine from the incident. She also completely tore the muscle from both shoulder blades.
After spending more than a year on crutches, Megan’s condition didn’t seem to be improving. Doctors were concerned that she was not healing from her injuries, and her condition was getting worse with time. Over the next few years, Megan underwent 22 surgeries, but doctors were still unsure why she was not healing properly.
Eventually, in 2015, Megan was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). This syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect the body’s connective tissues. Mainly, the skin, blood vessel walls, and joints are the affected areas. Symptoms result in stretchy skin and overly flexible joints, and people often suffer from joint pain and easy dislocations.
A year after being diagnosed, Megan King was fitted for a halo brace to help stabilize her neck and spine. When it came time for the doctors to remove the brace, Megan’s skull had internally detached from her spine, an incident that is almost always fatal.
“I flew my chair back to keep gravity from decapitating me. My neurosurgeon had to hold my skull in place with his hands. I couldn’t stand. My right side was shaking uncontrollably.” Megan recalls in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Internal decapitation, also known as atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD), happens when the ligaments or bones that connect the skull to the spine are damaged.
A Complex Surgery to Save Her Life
Doctors quickly rushed Megan into emergency surgery. During the procedure, surgeons performed a delicate operation to reconnect her skull and spine, known as spinal fusion. This would allow Megan’s skull and spine to heal as one.
The surgery marked only the beginning of Megan’s recovery. Since her initial accident, she has gone through a total of 37 surgeries in her journey to heal. Her skull is now fused to her pelvis, which restricts her from moving her head in any direction. Physical therapy sessions became a crucial part of her daily routine. Though the metal hardware stabilized her skull, she would never regain full neck mobility.
Despite these limitations, Megan keeps a positive outlook. “I’m literally a human statue. My spine doesn’t move at all. But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped living.” she said to Daily Mail. Her gratitude for surviving internal decapitation outweighs any sadness over her condition.
Doctors have concluded that Megans internal decapitation likely happened due to a combination of her spine injury in high school and her weakened joints from her hEDS diagnosis.
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Life After Internal Decapitation
Today, Megan, now 35, lives with permanent limited movement in her neck. However, she embraces her new normal with grace and optimism. She credits her doctors, emergency responders, and therapists for saving her life.
Adjusting to her new reality presents daily challenges. Simple tasks like driving or turning her head require extra care. Megan admits it took time to accept her physical changes. Yet, she remains determined not to let them define her.
By speaking publicly about her ordeal, Megan hopes to raise awareness about internal decapitation. She stresses that even routine activities can lead to unexpected accidents. Her story serves as a reminder to cherish health and remain cautious.
A Story of Survival and Resilience
Megan’s survival is nothing short of miraculous. Internal decapitation usually results in death or severe disability. Her ability to walk, talk, and live independently highlights both modern medical advances and her inner strength.
Megan also shares the emotional side of her recovery. Coping with trauma, adapting to new limitations, and staying active have all been part of her healing. She wants her journey to inspire others facing sudden life changes.
Through it all, Megan remains a symbol of resilience. Her experience with internal decapitation shows that life can change in a moment. However, with determination, support, and a positive attitude, it is possible to overcome even the toughest challenges.
Final Thoughts
Megan King’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. After suffering internal decapitation during a freak gym accident, she endured a complex surgery, a difficult recovery, and lasting physical effects. Yet, instead of giving up, she chose to share her experience.
Her survival offers hope to anyone facing adversity. Despite her limitations, Megan’s spirit remains strong. She reminds us that courage, grace, and gratitude can pave the way forward even after devastating accidents. Her story ensures that internal decapitation is no longer just a medical term—it is a testament to human resilience.
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