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A 20-year-old woman is paralysed from the neck down after contracting a rare neurological disorder.
Abby Rout was on a night out with friends when she suddenly lost feeling in her hand, and then her legs went numb. She was rushed to hospital but within two hours had lost all feeling below her neck.
Doctors diagnosed acute transverse myelitis, a rare disease that causes inflammation in the spinal cord -actress Leslie Ash was hospitalised by a similar condition last year.
Ms Rout said: "It is unbelievable. I had nothing alcoholic to drink when I lost feeling in my hand, and then I couldn't move a thing. Doctors are still not sure how much I can recover, but I'm trying to remain strong."
Ms Rout, from Somerset, was in Southampton when the disease struck six weeks ago. She remains immobile in hospital and been warned she may not walk or ride again.
Reader views (1)
I suffered this disease 17 years ago - was struck down on 5th November 17 years ago - long road to recovery - they did not know if I would walk again - I am walking, and have recovered well, but not completely - my advice is - never say never - I am 61 now - my heart goes out to this young lady - don`t give up - slowly but surely she will improve.
- Jean Gail Hoy, stevenage uk
