Explained: What does Sritej’s ‘static neurological status’ mean post-Sandhya Theater stampede?

Hyderabad: ‘The neurological status remains the same’; this is the current medical update on the condition of eight-year-old Sritej who was injured in the Sandhya Theater stampede on December 4 during the screening of the film Puspha 2. His mother Revathi died during the stampede.

Sritej is presently undergoing treatment at KIMS Cuddles Hospital, Secunderabad. In the medical bulletin, released by treating doctors Dr Chetan R Mundada and Dr Vishnu Tej Pudi, it is mentioned that the ‘neurological status remaining the same’ is a major concern.

The last two medical bulletins from the KIMS Cuddles doctors had these points:

- Sritej is presently maintaining stable vital parameters. He continues to be off oxygen and ventilator support. His fever spikes have reduced and blood investigations have been showing serially improving WBC and CRP trends.

- He is tolerating feeds well. His neurological status remains the same.

NewsMeter explains what it means for Sritej’s ‘neurological status to remain the same’.

What do doctors say?

KIMS Cuddles, Secunderabad, where the child is undergoing treatment said that the blood pressure is improving and the child can take feeds—the child is being fed nutrients through a tube which is placed near the stomach and the excretion of urine and stools is also being done through tubes only.

The food intake is not through the mouth at the moment which differs from how a recovering patient is managed.

What does it mean when the ‘vital parameters are stable’?

If vital parameters are being recorded as stable, it means that the blood pressure, heart rate and breathing is normal.

What does it mean when the ‘neurological status is static’?

Neurological condition refers to the functioning of the brain, which was affected when Sritej was choked under the weight of the crowd during the stampede, cutting off the supply of vital oxygen to the brain.

The ‘neurological condition remaining static’ means that his condition is the same as it was after the accident. This means that the lack of oxygen to the brain during the stampede has affected the child’s ability to move the body and sensory perceptions like smell, sight and speech have still not recovered.

How long will the neurological recovery take?

Neurological recovery, according to medical books, is based on the condition and extent of the damage to the brain. A senior official in KIMS said, “Since this case is now under the jurisdiction of the police and court, these details cannot be given.”

What do medical books say about brain damage?

A senior doctor in Hyderabad, under the condition of anonymity, said, “Brain damage due to less oxygen affects the functioning of movement and sense perception. The incident occurred on December 4 and to date the damage to the brain has not shown signs of recovery. Brain recovery is time-consuming. It will take time but how long is very difficult to say.”

Why is there no clear reply regarding the condition of Sritej?

There is no straightforward reply regarding the health condition of Sritej. His condition has become a bone of contention for the political parties in Telangana who are fighting over the incident to settle political scores.

With the film industry being involved, there is a fierce political fighting currently going on in the State.

The child on the hospital bed has political visitors every other day. But the moot point is: How long will it take for the child to recover?

Reacting to his son Sritej's health condition, Bhaskar said, "Two days ago, the doctors removed ventilator support for my son and his health condition is slowly progressing. Currently, specialist doctors are treating my son. Pushpa film producers gave us Rs 50 lakh, Cinematography minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy gave Rs 25 lakh and Allu Arjun gave Rs 10 lakh. The day after the incident, the film industry, including Allu Arjun, reached out to give their support to us. That's why I have decided to take back my case. Nobody is forcing me to do this. I took the decision on my own."