Woman Survives "Internal Decapitation"

Car Crash Separates Woman's Skull From Her Spine; But After Surgery, She's Not Paralyzed

(CBS/AP)  Even her surgeon calls her a miracle.

Shannon Malloy was critically injured Jan. 25 when she was slammed into the dashboard during a car crash. Her skull separated from her spine, although her skin, spinal cord and other internal organs remained intact.

The rare condition is known as clinically as internal decapitation, and it left her with no control over her head.

Dr. Gary Ghiselli, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Denver Spine Center, said he and his colleagues had never seen such an injury in someone still living.

"I've seen it once before," Ghiselli said, "and, unfortunately, the patient didn't make it."

Physicians in Nebraska, where Malloy lives, didn't have much hope.

"It was just really scary because he just kept saying that 'we've never ever seen this injury in a person that's alive, and you need to say your good-byes now,'" her mother, Robin Frazee, told Denver station KMGH-TV.

Ghiselli said a will to survive kept Malloy, 30, alive long enough for surgeons to insert screws in her head and neck and attach a halo to minimize movement — no easy task.

"My skull slipped off my neck about five times," Malloy said. "Every time they tried to screw this to my head, I would slip."

Doctors eventually stabilized her head and her neck muscles regained strength. The halo has since been removed.

"It's a miracle that she was able to survive from the actual accident," Ghiselli said. "It's a miracle that she's made the progress that she's made."

She still has obstacles to overcome like the nerve damage that makes her eyes cross and a feeding tube because she has difficulty swallowing.

"I would ideally like to be fully recovered. I know that's not going to be a great possibility, but I can come really close though," said Malloy.

[mitch0927]

God had definitely intervened. He has a special purpose for her and His will had taken over. This is proof that God exists. May the Lord bless this family even more so she can spread His word.

[jetlizhan]

this is absolutely the most amazing story i've ever read - i've never heard of anything like this!

[grazinggoat]

This is proof that God exists. May the Lord bless this family even more so she can spread His word.
Posted by mitch0927 at 02:54 PM : May 17, 2007

-In nowhere in the Gospel it's mentioned that this particular medical case may exist. In nowhere in the Bible it is mentioned that internal decapitation exists. In nowhere in the Gospel it is mentioned that the internal decapitation may be healed.... so stop this *** and return back to your FairyTales and stay there. We need no such input from you, especially not the last part.

-Send rather your relatives to schools and colleges to learn the techniques that lead to this miracle. Only Man and Women by the grace of the Creator and a LOT of research and training, can achieve this MEDICAL miracle. Just staying at the church singing the Gospel would have not healed this lady.

[matisyahu3]

Shutup

[processor2]

It's nice to read some good news for a change.


...

[mitch0927]

grazinggoat,
By saying what I said and reading what the doctors were quoted as saying they have never seen anything like this on a person that is still alive is divine intervention. How dare you start something like that when all I was doing was praising our creator for allowing this miracle. Since I didn't get into detail about this particular miracle, you assumed my thoughts. Why don't you get off of your high horse and stop being so critical when someone is commenting on a story such as this? Because I don't go to church.

Shame on you.

[itwasntme000]

Posted by grazinggoat at 03:11 PM : May 17, 2007

Well said man... Mitch i truely feel sorry for you and your etheral addiction. Hi man, people are capable of amazing things. And as graz said, this was a medical miracle. If a real god miracle happened this girl wouldn't of had a scratch on her, after the accident.
mitch, you are one of the same people who believe that you have no strength or will power. The person who says they quit drugs/alachol/smoking because god gave you the strength. The athlete who says god gave them the strength to do whatever it is he does.(It was just himself and his hard work that overcame) Do you have no faith in yourself??? are you that weak?
This girl is aparently very strong and never gave up hope. I watched the news with her on it. It was pretty crazy.

mitch0927

the issue is that is your creator. I don't believe in god...just like i don't believe in posiedon. Don't you realize that in 500 years people will look back and laugh at us the way we laugh at the greeks for believing such nonsense.

But if you want to believe it, you can. People certainly have the right not to and you should respect that.

[mitch0927]

itwasntme000,
All I did was give praise to a higher power without getting into detail. Of course I realize it was the doctors that worked diligently to save this woman and I know if it wasn%u2019t for their training she would probably be dead or in a vegetated state. But since I didn't go into detail like that, you two assume I was giving God all the credit. I made a point to do so, just to see how many people out there would have a negative comment towards what I said, and I see there are already two "KNOW IT ALLS" that have nothing better to do than be criticizing people and what they write. So, don't feel sorry for me, have some self pity on yourselves for your actions, sitting there spouting off things such as that. Not my fault you all have such a low self-esteem about yourselves that you have to be critical toward others.

[grazinggoat]

Well said man... Mitch i truely feel sorry for you and your etheral addiction. Hi man...
Posted by itwasntme000 at 03:31 PM : May 17, 2007

-Sorry to disappoint you, itwasntme000, I'm a woman. Sorry, but thanks anyway ;)

Shame on you.
Posted by mitch0927 at 03:21 PM : May 17, 2007

-mitch0927 Let's see whom will the readers shame.

[mitch0927]

amerigirl28 ,
what is the saying? "To each his/her own" I am not preaching to anyone, but leaving a comment from me, that's it. You are and will always have that right to believe in what you wish, and I do respect that.

[skyhawk761]

So, don't feel sorry for me, have some self pity on yourselves for your actions, sitting there spouting off things such as that. Not my fault you all have such a low self-esteem about yourselves that you have to be critical toward others.

Posted by mitch0927 at 03:39 PM : May 17, 2007


Pot, meet kettle!

[mikealford3]

processor2, you are so correct. It is nice to see a good, positive story in the news. I just wish some of the comments could have been as positive. We should let people believe what they wish to believe and not be so critical. The facts is the lady survived, regardless of why or by who's help, and we should be happy about that.

[jimfinster]

mitch0927:

She survived, and you say "miracle."

If she had died, you would have said "Gods will."


Got it covered either way, huh? That is what religion is really all about, providing followers a little comfort blanket...

[gmond]

Thank Zeus for this miracle!!

[grazinggoat]

Thank Zeus for this miracle!!
Posted by gmond at 03:51 PM : May 17, 2007


-The doctor's name was Dr. Gary Ghiselli, an orthopedic spine surgeon...

Last time I saw Zeuss it was in the Greek island of Kalamata. Lol

[mitch0927]

mikealford3,
Thanks.

[medgirl3]

Why does every comment board on here turn to either an anti-religion, or anti-bush rant? Seriously, for once, I'd love to see a board that just has encouraging words, like "wow, this woman must have a lot to live for to fight that hard. She is truly blessed by God, and by the doctors that saved her life."

[conplan6022]

Why is it when someone survives a nearly fatal accident and is left an invalid or badly injured "a miracle"?

No a miracle is if her head magically reattached itself and she got up and went to work the next day.

If I ever got such a severe injury I'd gladly choose death than to live crippled.

[peach652]

OK, can we get back to the subject now???

I'm actually surprised this doesn't happen more often. When you think about it, where the skull and spine come together is very small. Probably doesn't take a whole lot of force to separate the two.

What a really scary thing to go through! I just cannot imagine! I wish Ms. Malloy the best of luck and I hope she is fully recovered one day. And I'm glad that her mother didn't have to say her good-byes after all!

Nice to hear some good news!

[bobgee_1999]

medgirl3:

Yeah, critical thinking sucks, doesn't it? We're here to have fun, wheee!

If that's the kind of comments you want, why don't you go to some religious website? We're dealing with reality here. And the reality is, Bush is a horrible president, and God doesn't exist. Love It or Leave It.

[medgirl3]

"I'm actually surprised this doesn't happen more often. When you think about it, where the skull and spine come together is very small. Probably doesn't take a whole lot of force to separate the two."

To answer that, I believe what they're saying is that it does happen, but no one ever actually survives it. Decapitation usually is more complete, and results in completely severed spinal cord, at a level which makes it impossible to eat, breath, or move (if the spinal cord is severed lower down, eating and breathing are still possible, and some movement, depending on where the actual laceration is). In a more minor accident, all of the ligaments and muscles keep the head from being removed, and the spinal cord is protected. So for someone to be decapitated, without severing the spinal cord to the point of paralization and death, is really rare.

[passerby2]

Reading this story gives me that same feeling you get when you hear nails on a chalkboard.

And if god existed, she wouldn't be in this situation, her car would of taken off and flew to where ever she was going and avoid the accident.

[medgirl3]

bobgee_1999

Yeah, you're right, my degree in biology, and my years thus far in medical school have really hindered my critical thinking.

My point is not that i'm a religion fanatic, or a Bush fanatic, it's that I'm tired of every issue turning into one or the other.

[itwasntme000]

Nice post cneron

One sad note tho is that we are in the dark ages still. Well not quite as dark as the "dark ages" historians use to describe the time period but still over half of the worlds population believes in magical creatures. And because of these beliefs in magical creatures their was incidents like 9/11 with many many worse tradgedys still in store for us and the world, thanks to bush.(haha had to bring him up in here for medgirl)
and medgirl I wish i could see an article like this with nothing but encouraging words to...words and sentences without the word god or jesus or alah or santa clause or the easter bunny.

[yo_marc]

mitch0927:

She survived, and you say "miracle."

If she had died, you would have said "Gods will."

Got it covered either way, huh? That is what religion is really all about, providing followers a little comfort blanket...
Posted by jimfinster at 03:50 PM : May 17, 2007

I'm really not sure what mitch's take is on this, but going by the theology I've studied and know - God ordains everything. The accident, the people involved, the level of injury or lack thereof. Any perceived miracle during/afterwards. ...everything, down the smallest detail.

[passerby2]

yo_marc, so you're saying that our lives are being toyed with by this "god" on purpose. god seems to be one of those kids who holds a magnifying glass over a little ant. Dam we are screwed.

[anonbychoice]

WoW A person lives, and all you can do is bash one another for what he/she believes or doesn't believe in. I thought we had this dicussion last week where this is AMERICA, and we ALL have FREEDOM of Religion, FREEDOM of Choice. I could give a rats behind if you do or don't believe in God. But who are ANY of you to tell anyone on this board, what SHOULD or SHOULDN'T be believed?? What, you're the ONLY ones allowed to believe in something, that being that God doesn't exist? Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't real. And if you have nothing better to do than criticize people on this board for what they feel or think, then maybe you should find a hobby to occupy your time and mind. Because apparently you have too much time on your hands and not enough of your brain cells left anywhere to leave well enough alone. Believe as you wish, and I(because I can)will believe as I wish.

[doo58]

Some of the ignorant comments I've read! Open your eyes people! I've been shot twice (once in the face with a 12 guage), stabbed once, had two strokes, three heart attacks, have MS, and have been struck by lightning, and conplan6022 says "I'd rather die than be crippled". Here's a news flash for you con, you're already crippled! No guts, no fortitude, no drive, no want! You've quit before you even started. All you're doing is taking up space and using air that the rest of us could have. I use a scooter for long distances I need to go, and a cane for walking. But I remain working in Advertising/Marketing, I'm happily married to a gorgeous woman, have a summer place at the lake, and I have wonderful plans for our retirement in 7 months, at the age of 49. Go hide in some safe corner, Con. I'd hate for you to get a boo boo when I pass you by while I'm living my life!!!!

[itwasntme000]

yo_marc

As one comedian i heard say. God mad the universe some blablabla trillion bagillion years ago. And he made it in what 6 days and then took sunday off?? It sounds like a 5th grade science fair project that he spent no time on. And come on man if their is something out their that can make the universe basically instantaneous, and did it that long ago, isn't the entity bored yet??? And imagine how much cooler stuff it would be able to make now, some 2908766958 gazillion years since it made the universe??

[chicagoboy22]

settle down religious and non religious people... actually if you look at the top of the article, it says "Health Watch"... no need for religious debate here.

[tibu987]

How is it that after every favorable thing that happens in life people say, it was a miracle and often praise the goodness of god.

How is it that after every catastrophe which sometimes kills thousands of people, no one ever says that god should have prevented it and at least be blamed for it?

Just wondrin'.

[dssans]

i'm sorry but for anyone to enjoy making fun of someone else in their pain and suffering is a sick and perverted sense of humor. Whether you are a God fearing person or not, (and I am not) this does have the right to have something be called nearly impossible or a MIRACLE. maybe before you start on your rants you should read the definition of the word " miracle"...
...an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers.

I think that this might just qualify...

[rebelrose62]

Some of you with those remarks about this woman, you are so ever ignorant. That could have been you and how would you feel if people made those remarks about you. It could be a loved one. You are heartless people. As for the ones who dont believe in GOD...Matt. 10..30-32- 33 says..."But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."..
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven",
"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven" I guess you will be living with the devil then.

[jdubs63]

what is it they say Ignorance is Bliss???
Yes there is no need to make cruel remarks can you just imagine being Shannon Mallory or the Medical team..God Bless them

[incog-nito]

What cruel remark? Lighten up people. She's recovering now, and that's a good thing.

Just like her mother always said, "that kid's got a good head on her shoulders."

[norshatakaha]

I'm so glad this poor girl recovered. We have President Bush and his Administration to thank for this.

[wayfedup]

I'm so glad this poor girl recovered. We have President Bush and his Administration to thank for this.
Posted by NorshaTakaha at 06:25 PM : May 17, 2007


How, Exactly, do we have Resident Bush and his Evil Empire to thank for THIS?

[nothappyatall]

'm so glad this poor girl recovered. We have President Bush and his Administration to thank for this.
Posted by NorshaTakaha "

Yeah right, he voted to CUT funding that is already bare bones- for medical research to help balance thebudget and his little WAR.

[elizabethstr]

be careful Wayfedup. Remember we do not have civil liberties like freedom of expression anymore in this country.

[dbstevens]

Wow, I wish I could tell Shannon in person what an incredible inspiration she is!!! There are so many people who feel hopeless about their injuries and personal situations, and someone like this really can bolster their hopes!

[noaanhc]

Holy God she is one lucky woman.

[gramto7]

Having worked in an emergency room for several years and seen instances of neck injuries, I can fully appreciate what this lady has gone through. She is a very strong person to have survived and one very fortunate person to have had the doctors with the knowledge and equipment to care for her properly. It would have taken such a tiny wrong movement to have changed the outcome from what it is to one with her being in her grave that it makes me have cold chills to even think about it. She is definitely on very lucky or very blessed lady, depending on what the truth is about a greater Being!

[luckygirl042]

Wow! What an incredibly strong and lucky woman.Her will to survive must be awesome. I am impressed at the skill of the doctors who kept her alive and did all of the delicate reattachment that was necessary. I have to ask though, why should a basketball player or other athlete make more money than a doctor who can perform such a miraculous "save"? It's a strange strange world we live in...
Get well soon, Shannon, the Universe has truly blessed you.

[neenga]

I'm beginning to believe that CNN has the right idea: No comment section. Comments seem to bring the rats out of the dumpster.

[itwasntme000]

I'm beginning to believe that CNN has the right idea: No comment section. Comments seem to bring the rats out of the dumpster.
Posted by neenga at 09:17 AM : May 18, 2007

Posting boards such as this one intice people to say what is really on their minds instead of the "socially acceptable" robotic blank faced responces you get from most people. Granted i have read a few pretty innapropiate postings where every other word is a sware word. This posting board has no real controversy on it so far.

screw cnn... no posting board = really really boring time reading the news with no critical thinking about the topic. And no idea what others think about the articles..

[nottellin1]

I'm beginning to believe that CNN has the right idea: No comment section. Comments seem to bring the rats out of the dumpster.
Posted by neenga at 09:17 AM : May 18, 2007

SO WHAT. People like you are part of what is wrong with America. If you don't want to read it, don't look. No one is forcing you.

[shanmalloy]

I just want to thank all the people who see this story for what it is -- a need for good thoughts, well wishes and positive energy.
To the rest of you, I challenge you to spend one hour without swallowing even your own saliva and walking and doing everything with your eyes crossed. This is my current life.
Also, the term being used is "medical miracle" by doctors as well...no one said it was divine intervention. Semantics can be tricky!