Mystery Diagnosis Season 8 Episode 2 The Girl With Half a Face
- November 23, 2009
- 43 min
The show Mystery Diagnosis follows real-life medical cases that have stumped doctors and left patients with mysterious and often life-threatening symptoms. In season 8, episode 2 titled "The Girl With Half a Face," the focus is on a young girl named Mackenzie who was born with a rare and devastating condition that has left her with half a face.
When Mackenzie was born, her parents quickly realized that something was wrong. She had a large mass on the left side of her face that was causing her eye to bulge out of its socket. Doctors initially believed it was a facial tumor and performed a biopsy, but the results came back inconclusive. Over the years, Mackenzie's condition worsened. She had trouble breathing and eating, and her vision was compromised.
Her parents took her to various specialists, but no one could diagnose her condition. They were told it was likely a rare genetic disorder, but no one knew what it was or how to treat it. Frustrated and feeling hopeless, Mackenzie's parents turned to the internet to try and find answers.
Through their online research, they eventually found a doctor who had experience with a similar case. They traveled across the country to meet with him, and after running more tests, he was finally able to give them a diagnosis: Arteriovenous Malformation, or AVM.
AVM is a rare condition where there is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the body. In Mackenzie's case, there was a massive AVM in her face that was affecting her eye, nasal passages, mouth, and throat. The AVM was putting pressure on her eye, causing it to bulge out, and making it difficult for her to breathe and eat. It was also affecting her hearing and vision.
Mackenzie's parents were relieved to have a diagnosis, but they soon realized that the treatment for AVM was not going to be easy. Because of the location of the malformation, surgery was risky and could result in serious complications. They had to weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment options and decide what was best for their daughter.
Over the next few years, Mackenzie underwent several surgeries and procedures to try and shrink the AVM and improve her quality of life. Some of the treatments worked, but others caused complications and setbacks. It was a long and difficult journey, but Mackenzie and her family never gave up hope.
The Girl with Half a Face is a powerful and emotional episode that highlights the frustration and challenges that come with rare and complex medical conditions. It also showcases the importance of advocacy and perseverance when it comes to finding the right diagnosis and treatment. Mackenzie's story is sure to inspire and encourage others who may be facing similar medical challenges.