Teenage gymnast paralysed makes full recovery after surgery in Bristol
Paulina Gores was unable any of her limbs after a freak accident
Last updated 10th Aug 2024
A teenage gymnast who was left paralysed in a freak accident has made a remarkable recovery following emergency surgery in Bristol.
Paulina Gores was visiting Somerset from her native Germany when she suffered a fractured spine, leaving her with serious injuries to her spinal cord.
According to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children where she was treated, Gores was attempting a double forward somersault from a trampoline when she landed on her head.
After being taken to hospital, Paulina, who was 15 at the time, was unable to move her limbs and was airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.
She had emergency surgery to reduce the dislocation of her spine, as well as procedures to refit the vertebrae that had slipped out of place during the incident.
Paulina's injuries have now healed and the surgery has been deemed a success, though doctors working at the hospital were initially unsure on how much Paulina would be able to move following the procedure.
Within hours, Gores was already regaining feeling in her arms and movement in her legs began days later.
Paulina, who has now turned 16, was soon deemed well enough to return to Germany for treatment in her local hospital and is now training for a half marathon, just one year on from her accident.
Speaking on the case, Mike Carter, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust's Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon, paid tribute to the teenage athlete for her ability to recover so quickly.
"Paulina has come on leaps and bounds, quite literally. She has kept us up to date with her progress via email and has sent us videos of her remarkable rehabilitation.
"Paulina’s case shows just how important it is that all parts of a trauma service work well together. In this case she was stabilised, transferred, imaged, and operated on all within a matter of hours from the injury.
"Also, it shows the importance of getting underway with your rehabilitation as soon as possible. Paulina’s calm attitude and stoicism, even when she was first brought to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, has been so impressive. She’s pretty tough."
Paulina herself thanked the staff at the hospital for the work they put in to help her live as normally as possible.
"I am grateful for all the support I have received in Bristol and in Germany. I can lead a normal life. I was able to take steps, walk up and down stairs and even run a little bit while in the rehab centre.
"I had set myself the goal of running a half marathon last year, as I have always been a runner, and that is still a goal for me despite everything I’ve been through."