A boy with a cerebral hernia on his forehead survived and is developing contrary to doctors’ predictions

In the United States, the parents of a child with a rare developmental defect told of an incredible story of survival. A boy named Liam Sachs was born with part of his brain protruding through a hole in his skull – a diagnosis of encephalocele. Despite the difficult prognosis, the baby not only survived, but is also making progress in development, Liter.kz reports with reference to Daily Mirror.

The pregnancy of 32-year-old Hannah Sachs from Ohio proceeded without complications until doctors noticed an anomaly at 22 weeks – part of the baby’s brain was coming out through the frontal bone. Doctors warned about the risk of death, but Hannah decided to keep the child.

In March 2023, Liam was born two weeks early with a large bubble of fluid on his forehead – his family nicknamed him Squishy. After 13 days in the intensive care unit, the boy was discharged home.

Two weeks after discharge, the baby developed hydrocephalus, and doctors installed a shunt to drain fluid from the brain. Liam later underwent an 11-hour operation to remove the encephalocele and reconstruct his skull in September 2023.

After the operation, the boy spent 11 days in the hospital, the first week with his eyes completely closed due to swelling.

“We talked to him all the time so that he would not be afraid. He recognized our voices – this helped him calm down,” recalls his mother.

At the age of 10 months, Liam was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which makes it difficult for him to move and coordinate his movements. But, despite the limitations, the boy is making great progress: he walks, says “mom” and “dad,” plays, runs and even goes down the slides.

“He proves the doctors wrong every day. It’s a hard life, but it’s beautiful. He’s my perfect, albeit imperfect, child,” Hannah says.

Liam is currently undergoing physiotherapy, speech therapy and music therapy. He lives with a shunt installed, but doctors note positive dynamics.

“He does everything at his own pace and in his own way. He is a real miracle,” the mother added.

The story of the Sachs family has become a symbol of strength and parental love: a boy who was given no chance learns to live and inspires thousands of people around the world.