A 21-year-old Yemeni man, suffering from uncontrolled epileptic seizures, underwent targeted deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery at a Bengaluru hospital. The procedure aimed to alleviate his intractable epilepsy, which had not responded to conventional treatments.
The patient had been experiencing frequent and severe seizures that significantly impacted his quality of life. After exhaustive evaluations and consultations, medical professionals determined that he was a suitable candidate for DBS, a surgical intervention often considered for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Deep Brain Stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain. These electrodes send electrical impulses to regulate abnormal brain activity. In the context of epilepsy, DBS targets areas such as the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT), which has been shown to play a role in seizure propagation.
According to the SANTE Trial (Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy), published in Neurology (Fisher et al., 2010) [1], patients who received DBS showed a 41% reduction in seizures at 13 months, which improved to 69% at 5 years. This has led to its approval by several regulatory bodies, including the U.S. FDA, for certain types of refractory epilepsy.[2]
The surgical team in Bengaluru performed the DBS procedure with precision, targeting the areas of the brain responsible for seizure activity. Post-operative assessments indicated a positive response, with a noticeable reduction in seizure frequency. The patient is currently undergoing follow-up care to monitor his progress and adjust the DBS settings as needed.
India has become a prominent destination for patients from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia seeking advanced treatments like DBS. Hospitals in cities like Bengaluru offer high-quality neurosurgical care at comparatively lower costs, with expertise that matches international standards. This case highlights the advancements in neurosurgical treatments available in India and the country's role in providing specialized medical care to international patients.
This successful surgery not only highlights the growing adoption of DBS for intractable epilepsy but also India’s expanding role in global medical tourism.
References:
1. Fisher, R. et al. (2010). Electrical stimulation of the anterior nucleus of thalamus for treatment of refractory epilepsy. Neurology, 75(13), 1297-1304.
2. U.S. FDA – Deep Brain Stimulation System Approval for Epilepsy, 2018.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)