I had an episode at age eighteen months, but had two further episodes before the cause was discovered. Apparently, I would tilt my head back and just scream in pain. Then vomit continually.
It took fifteen lumbar punctures and six months to diagnose that I was born with a Rathke's cleft cyst, a hole in the soft palate of the mouth/throat. This was allowing infections to enter the body, which resulted in meningitis.
The solution was a skin graft to close the hole, however, the operation caused damage to my pituitary gland and resulted in a delay of the onset of puberty and also fertility issues.
I am extremely grateful for the care given to me by the medical team and feel so fortunate to have not suffered more serious complications.
![]()
Anita Delandro
October 2024