The Baby Whose Head Swelled to Three Times Its Size: Roona Begum’s Journey to Survival

At just 22 months old, Roona Begum became the face of an extraordinary medical battle. Born with a rare and severe case of hydrocephalus, also known as “water on the brain,” Roona’s head began swelling at an alarming rate, growing to a staggering 94cm in circumference — three times the size of a normal baby’s head. The condition left her in critical danger of permanent brain damage and blindness, and without urgent intervention, her survival was in jeopardy.

Doctors in New Delhi, India, were faced with an incredibly complex challenge. They performed multiple life-saving surgeries to drain the excess fluid from Roona’s head. Over the course of three weeks, medical teams worked tirelessly to reduce the swelling, as the fluid buildup had become increasingly dangerous. The delicate and risky procedure involved draining the fluid and reducing the pressure around Roona’s brain in an effort to preserve her cognitive function and prevent blindness.

After a grueling series of operations, the results were nothing short of miraculous. Roona’s head was successfully reduced to a manageable 58cm. The medical team and her parents could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Although Roona is not out of the woods yet — she is expected to undergo another round of surgery in the coming months — the progress made so far has been remarkable.

Roona’s parents, who had been by her side throughout her painful ordeal, are overjoyed to have their little girl back in their arms. Her recovery has become a symbol of hope, demonstrating both the resilience of the human spirit and the power of medical innovation. Her story has captured hearts around the world, sparking a wave of support and admiration for her strength and for the dedicated medical professionals who worked tirelessly to save her life.

While the journey is far from over, the success of Roona’s treatment marks a turning point in her life — and with continued care, there is hope that she will lead a healthy and fulfilling future.