SEHA's Tawam Hospital helps eight-year-old girl control severe drug-resistant epilepsy

The eight-year-old girl, who had been grappling with severe drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) at SEHA's Tawam Hospital, has made remarkable progress following her treatment. Despite experiencing over 100 seizures daily, her condition had significantly impacted her development and overall quality of life. The hospital's specialist paediatric neurology team conducted a thorough evaluation, which included electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and genetic testing to better understand her unique condition.

Upon the assessment, the team refined her medication regimen and explored additional options since her condition had not responded adequately to medication alone. A key part of her treatment involved the implantation of a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device, which delivers mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

This treatment was delivered through a coordinated, multidisciplinary care approach, with ongoing monitoring and follow-up to assess her progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Following her treatment, the patient is no longer experiencing seizures and has started to gradually resume age-appropriate activities. Dr. Anil Vasudev Israni, a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at SEHA's Tawam Hospital, emphasized the importance of thorough assessments for children with DRE, stating that seizures can continue despite multiple medications.

He highlighted the hospital's commitment to providing personalised, comprehensive evaluations to determine the most appropriate treatment options for each child's clinical needs.