Teen’s Mysterious Illness Leads to Life-Saving Decision: A Medical Mystery
In a shocking turn of events, Abigail Aguilar, an 18-year-old pregnant teenager, found herself at the center of a medical mystery that nearly cost her life. What started as normal morning sickness quickly escalated into a series of debilitating symptoms that left doctors puzzled. It wasn’t until Aguilar’s mental health took a sharp decline and she made a chilling threat that her mother, Quintina Sims, realized the severity of the situation.
For weeks, Aguilar had been suffering from intense nausea, splitting headaches, and weakness that made even simple tasks impossible. Doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as typical of early pregnancy, but Sims knew something was seriously wrong. Aguilar’s condition worsened, and she began experiencing insomnia, personality changes, and bouts of depression. Sims took her daughter to multiple emergency rooms, only to be told that her symptoms were normal.
On Christmas Day, Aguilar’s mental state reached a breaking point. She seemed disconnected from reality, unable to comprehend her surroundings. In a chilling moment, she declared her intention to harm herself. Sims immediately sought help from the police, who transported Aguilar to a mental health clinic. However, a nurse at the clinic recognized that this was not a mental health issue and urged Sims to take her daughter to Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Without hesitation, Sims and her family embarked on a two-hour drive to the hospital, hoping for answers. Aguilar’s condition rapidly deteriorated upon arrival, and she was admitted to the hospital on a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold. Doctors suspected a neurological problem due to her abnormal reflexes and an electroencephalogram (EEG) that showed irregular brain activity. They began exploring possibilities such as an infection, brain tumor, or epilepsy.
After numerous tests and consultations with specialists, Aguilar’s diagnosis finally emerged. She had anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare and life-threatening disease that disrupts brain signaling. The illness, which often affects teenage girls and young women, can be triggered by an infection or an autoimmune reaction. Aguilar’s pregnancy complicated matters, as there was limited guidance on how to treat the disease in pregnant women.
Doctors tried various treatments, including intravenous steroids and rituximab, a drug with potential risks to a developing fetus. However, Aguilar’s condition continued to worsen, and her doctors faced a difficult decision. They advised Sims that terminating the pregnancy might be the best chance to save her daughter’s life. Sims agonized over the decision but ultimately chose to prioritize her daughter’s well-being.
On February 7, Aguilar underwent a surgical abortion. The following day, Sims witnessed a remarkable transformation in her daughter. Aguilar was walking and writing legibly, actions that were impossible just days earlier. Her recovery took several months, during which she grappled with the emotional toll of her experience. However, she remained resilient and determined to move forward with her life.
In a surprising turn of events, Aguilar became pregnant again in December 2022. Despite the risks of a relapse, she decided to continue the pregnancy. With close monitoring from neurologists and obstetricians, Aguilar’s second pregnancy went smoothly. In August 2023, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl, bringing joy and gratitude to her family.
Aguilar’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of making difficult decisions in the face of adversity. Her journey from a mysterious illness to a life-saving decision showcases the power of medical expertise and the unwavering support of loved ones. As Aguilar looks to the future, she is grateful for her second chance at life and remains steadfast in her belief that she made the right choice.
If you have a solved medical mystery, you can submit it to sandra.boodman@washpost.com. Please note that only solved cases are accepted. For more intriguing medical mysteries, visit wapo.st/medicalmysteries.
