A teenager from Soham is inspiring the nation by contributing to a groundbreaking study on childhood brain injuries after surviving a life-threatening quad bike accident. Mia Jack was just 12 when a family outing turned into a nightmare. She was flung from a quad bike, colliding headfirst with a tree. Her injuries were so severe that doctors described her brain as “like jelly in a box.” Now 18, Mia is part of a UK-first study aiming to improve treatments for paediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Her remarkable journey from being unable to walk or speak to leading this vital research is a testament to resilience, medical innovation, and hope for countless other children facing similar challenges.
The Accident That Changed Everything
In 2018, Mia was enjoying a day out with her family when she was thrown from a quad bike and hit a tree. Despite wearing a helmet, the impact caused critical damage to her brain. She was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where doctors placed her in an induced coma to stabilize her condition.
Mia underwent a craniectomy – a procedure to remove part of her skull – to relieve the immense pressure on her brain. Surgeons also had to remove a blood clot. When she woke from the coma, Mia was disoriented, unable to walk or talk, and didn’t recognize her mother.
“When I woke after the accident, I was completely confused,” Mia recalls. “I didn’t know who mum was or what had happened.”
The Long Road to Recovery
Mia’s recovery journey was anything but easy. Weeks of intensive care and rehabilitation followed the accident. Music unexpectedly became part of her healing process – she woke up when she heard a ukulele being strummed on the ward.
Her mother, Angela Paine, was shocked when Mia didn’t recognize her. But with the help of medical specialists and her own determination, Mia slowly regained her speech and mobility.
Later, she returned to Addenbrooke’s for another surgery to have a titanium plate fitted to cover the gap in her skull. The popular song “Titanium” by David Guetta became her personal anthem, reflecting her resilience and strength.
From Survivor to Trailblazer: Mia’s Role in Groundbreaking Research
Mia’s experience has now become part of a pioneering UK study focused on improving treatment for children with traumatic brain injuries. Researchers are analyzing the pressure reactivity index (PRx) to determine how brain pressure reacts to injury.
The study aims to:
- Identify critical PRx thresholds to guide treatment decisions.
- Build a national database to help doctors predict outcomes more accurately.
- Improve survival rates and recovery outcomes for children with TBI.
Mia hopes her story will inspire others facing similar battles. “Anything that helps with traumatic brain injury in children – and raises awareness of it – has got to be a good thing,” she says.
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Children
Globally, traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children. More than two-thirds of survivors face long-term complications, ranging from cognitive impairments to mobility issues.
The UK-first study Mia is contributing to could revolutionize how doctors manage these injuries by offering clearer guidelines based on real-world data.
A Family’s Pride and Gratitude
Mia now lives with her mother Angela, her sister Isabella, 19, and her mother’s partner Stuart Jack. She has returned to school and is currently in the second year of a hairdressing course.
Her mother Angela, who works in catering, describes Mia’s recovery as miraculous. “She is so courageous, so talented, and I am very proud of all she achieves,” she says.
Mia’s story is one of hope and determination – a reminder of the human spirit’s incredible ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Mia Jack’s journey from a traumatic brain injury survivor to a contributor in a groundbreaking UK study highlights the importance of resilience, research, and community support. Her involvement in the PRx study could pave the way for better treatment options and outcomes for children with similar injuries.
Through her recovery and dedication to this cause, Mia embodies the essence of hope and strength, proving that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, it is possible to rise, heal, and inspire others.
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