Beacon pediatric neurologist solves mystery, helps local teen recover from rare condition

Donavan “DJ” Martin

An easygoing teen who enjoys video games and a variety of sports, 17-year-old Donavan “DJ” Martin seems too young for back problems. So when he felt pain several months ago, he and his family thought it was probably from wrestling.

“It started as a stabbing pain that progressed into feeling like a constant muscle cramp,” DJ said.

Then, after several weeks of discomfort, something peculiar happened. When he woke on the morning of January 27, his toes were tingling. The following morning, DJ couldn’t move his right leg at all.

“We were very scared,” his mom, Angie, said. “We took him to Memorial Hospital and got him back into the emergency room pretty fast.”

Doctors ruled out a pinched nerve. Multiple imaging studies, including CT scans, MRIs and X-rays, showed no abnormalities.

To solve the mystery of Donavan’s symptoms, he was admitted to Beacon Children’s Hospital. There DJ had a lumbar puncture to check his spinal fluid for autoimmune disorders, possible infections or other signs of illness.

Finding answers

It wasn’t until two days later that his seventh MRI revealed the information the care team needed to reach a diagnosis: DJ had a rare condition called transverse myelitis.

Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder in which the spinal cord becomes inflamed. This inflammation damages the myelin sheath that covers nerves. Myelin damage can cause symptoms of pain, weakness and changed sensation like tingling in the foot. DJ’s inflammation was in the middle of his spine, so it affected the lower part of his body.

Transverse myelitis can develop quickly – in minutes to days – or more slowly, over the course of weeks. Recovery can take months, and some patients never recover completely. For DJ, it was likely triggered by two bouts of the flu several weeks prior to his symptoms starting.

Dr. Samira El-Sind, Pediatric Neurology, Beacon Medical Group Pediatric Multi-Specialty South Bend

The Beacon Children’s Hospital care team immediately started him on intravenous steroids, followed by several courses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. IVIG is a treatment in which the patient is given donated blood plasma that contains healthy antibodies to help fight infection.

DJ’s care was led by Pediatric Neurologist Samira El-Zind, MD, Beacon Medical Group Pediatric Multi-Specialty in South Bend, who said the teen responded “very well” to treatment.

“The day after his first plasma treatment, he had some leg movement. It was like a breath of fresh air,” said Angie. The family even marked DJ’s impressive progress with a Super Bowl pizza party.

A remarkable recovery

DJ’s best wrestling season ever had come to an abrupt halt. While his teammates were going into sectionals, he stayed at Beacon Children’s Hospital.

“From the nurses to the doctors, they were great. They did what they could to help keep him comfortable,” Angie said. “They explained everything in terms I could understand.”

DJ added, “They spoiled me with treats and video games.” He also received numerous LEGO® sets and completed six LEGO® cars while in the hospital.

A week at Beacon Children’s Hospital was followed by two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. There, DJ completed physical and occupational therapy for two hours a day, five days a week.

“I loved all the staff at inpatient therapy. They were all very nice and helpful. Kyle, Nichol and Joe all pushed me very hard.” DJ said. “I will forever be grateful to everyone at Memorial.”

Dr. El-Zind confirms that therapy played an important role in DJ’s recovery. In addition, “His positive spirit and family support also helped, dramatically,” she said.

Since leaving the hospital, DJ has been participating in outpatient therapy at Beacon Neurological Rehabilitation Granger Hospital. “If Michelle didn’t work me so hard, I wouldn’t be where I am. She pushes me to be the best and to work hard to recover,” he said.

Back to normal

Angie shared that despite missing a full two months of school during his illness, her son made the distinguished honor roll, a remarkable achievement.

Months after experiencing paralysis, DJ has progressed farther than he could have anticipated. “I started my first day at football practice, and I honestly didn’t know if that was going to be possible,” he recently shared.

Now, DJ can get back to being a normal teenager and looks forward to all the fun that comes with summer, like hanging out with his brother and the rest of the family, going camping and getting ready for his senior year of high school.

Thanks to a strong support system, expert care and DJ’s hard work, his recovery is nothing short of remarkable. “It’s going great,” Angie said with pride.