In a shocking medical case, a 9-year-old girl from Muzaffarpur had to undergo surgery after doctors discovered a massive 1.5 kg ball of hair in her stomach. The child had been experiencing severe stomach pain and persistent vomiting, which led her family to seek medical attention.
Initially, the girl’s symptoms, including a lack of appetite for 15 days, were dismissed by her family as minor complaints. However, when her condition worsened and she could not control any food, they rushed her to the hospital. Despite initial treatments, her health did not improve, leading doctors to conduct sonography.
The scan revealed the presence of a large mass in her stomach, which was later identified as accumulated hair. According to reports, a senior medical team led by Dr. Ashutosh Kumar performed a surgical procedure to remove the tangled hair mass. Upon questioning, it was revealed that the girl had been consuming her hair for the past seven years, unknowingly suffering from a rare mental health condition.
Medical experts diagnosed her with trichotillomania, a psychological disorder where individuals compulsively pull out and eat their hair. This condition, often overlooked, can lead to severe health complications if not addressed in time. The doctors emphasised that trichotillomania is not merely a habit but a serious condition that requires medical and psychological intervention.
Following the successful surgery, the girl is now undergoing psychotherapy to address the underlying causes of her condition. The medical team has advised her family to seek further psychological counselling to ensure she overcomes the disorder.
Experts urge parents to monitor unusual behaviours in children, such as nail-biting, chewing on objects, or hair consumption, as these habits could indicate deeper psychological issues. Early intervention and awareness can prevent such severe health consequences.
