A mother has been accused of medical child abuse by the state of Missouri and has been barred from caring for her chronically ill teenage son, the Daily News reported on Tuesday.
Isaiah Rider, 17, has a genetic disorder that leads to painful tumors on his nerves. He has had a leg amputated and experiences seizures as a result of the condition.
Michelle Rider, his mom, took him to different hospitals across the country before finding Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, IL. Her son's pain continued after a surgery there and, despite Michelle Rider's request, the hospital refused to have Isaiah Rider moved to another location.
A Cook County judge ruled that Isaiah Rider was a victim of Munchausen by proxy, or medical child abuse. Munchausen by Proxy occurs when a parent intentionally lies or exaggerates symptoms experienced by their child in order to garner attention.
Her lawyer, Randy Kretchmar, said that she is not abusive, even if she has been difficult to handle in the past.
"Maybe she was a bit anxious, maybe she was impolite or ineffective in advocating for her son at points, but she did not abuse her son," Kretchmar said. "She was not trying to use the medical system to hurt her only child."
Juvenile court lawyers said that when the boy wasn't being over-medicated by his mother, his symptoms improved. He will remain in protective custody for 90 days, based on a doctor's testimony of medical child abuse, NBC Chicago reported.
On Facebook, Isaiah Rider said he wants to be back home with his mom, but that the judge can't accept his wishes right now because the main concern is the teen's physical and emotional safety.
Michelle Rider has not been charged with any crimes relating to the case.
