In 2005, a routine high school gym fall changed Megan King’s life forever. What began as a sports injury spiraled into a decades-long medical battle, ultimately leading to a rare and life-threatening condition known as internal decapitation.
The Hidden Cause: hEDS
For ten years, specialists were baffled by Megan’s inability to recover from her injuries. In 2015, she finally received a diagnosis: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). This genetic disorder impairs collagen production, leading to fragile tissues and extreme joint instability.
A Near-Fatal Crisis
The situation reached a breaking point during a procedure to remove a spinal brace. Megan experienced Atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD)—a clinical “internal decapitation” where the skull detaches from the spine. With a survival rate of less than 10%, this injury is almost always fatal due to the risk of total paralysis.
Life as a “Human Statue”
Following 37 surgeries, Megan’s spine is now fused from her skull to her pelvis. While she can no longer turn or bend her head, she refuses to let her physical limitations define her.
Today, Megan is reclaiming her independence. Whether she is walking her dogs or celebrating a strike at the bowling alley, her journey is a powerful testament to medical innovation and the resilience of the human spirit.
