Megan West, from Coventry, was told her four-year-old son Elliot's unusual walk was attention-seeking because he was jealous of his baby sister. The GP dismissed her concerns for months, attributing symptoms to viral infections or jealousy.
Elliot began walking with his feet splayed and arms flaring in December 2024. He also suffered weight loss and weakness in his legs. Despite multiple visits to the GP, it was not until June 2025 that an X-ray revealed he had spinal tuberculosis.
Spinal tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the spine, rare in developed countries but historically associated with overcrowded Victorian slums. The X-ray showed calcified lymph nodes in his lungs, indicating a previous respiratory infection.
Elliot required surgery and a strong course of antibiotics. He is now recovering at home but cannot walk long distances and may need further surgery if the TB mass does not shrink. Megan said: 'It was a lot to process.'
Although TB is difficult to diagnose in children, Megan wishes her concerns had been taken more seriously. She said: 'I do not blame his GP… but I do wish they'd have listened and looked at the bigger picture.'
