Bengaluru: Fortis Hospital on Bannerghatta Road here performed Karnataka’s first targeted Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery to treat drug-resistant epilepsy on a 21-year-old male patient from Yemen, who had been battling uncontrollable seizures for over 12 years. The procedure was led by Dr. G. Raghuram, Additional Director of Neurosurgery and Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, Additional Director of Neurology. The patient was discharged within four days of the surgery and has reported remarkable improvement, with no seizures post-surgery.
Patient Mohammad (name changed) had been battling epilepsy that disrupted his daily routine. Despite being on four strong anti-epileptic medications and visiting multiple hospitals, his condition did not improve. The seizures left him emotionally drained, socially isolated and physically weak.
Upon his arrival at Fortis Hospital on Bannerghatta Road, the doctors evaluated his condition. While studying the specialised MRI and CT images, the doctors observed abnormal electrical activity in a rather widespread part of the brain and concluded that the patient’s seizures originated from those spots. In view of the severity of his condition, the doctors opted for the Deep Brain Stimulation – a neurosurgical procedure used to regulate abnormal brain signals, targeting brain’s Centromedian Nucleus of thalamus on both sides.
Explaining about the procedure, Dr. G. Raghuram said, “We planned the entire procedure in minute detail using detailed brain scans and computer simulations. During the surgery, we placed thin wires (called electrodes) deep inside the brain with great accuracy. A guiding frame was used to make sure the placement was safe. The wires were then connected to a small battery-powered device, like a pacemaker for the brain. This device sends gentle electrical signals to help stop the abnormal brain activity that causes seizures. The surgery went very smoothly and the patient recovered well. He was walking the next day and has not had a seizure ever since.”
Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar said, “This young patient had a complex form of epilepsy that did not respond to medications, even after years of treatment. That’s why we chose Deep Brain Stimulation, targeting a specific area called the centromedian nucleus in the thalamus. By sending small electrical signals to this part of the brain, we were able to significantly reduce his seizures and improve his quality of life.”
Following the successful surgery, the patient was discharged just four days later. He recovered quickly and began light physical therapy to help regain strength. He has shown remarkable improvement and has returned to his daily activities with confidence.
Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “This successful surgery reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing advanced, life-changing treatments to patients from across the globe. By offering Karnataka’s first Deep Brain Stimulation for epilepsy targeting the Centromedian Nucleus, we are proud to give hope to those who have exhausted other options.”
This post was published on May 31, 2025 6:32 pm