Chennai hospital introduces advanced surgery programme for drug-resistant epilepsy
The Hindu
Apollo Hospitals on Thursday (February 13, 2025) announced a significant advancement in epilepsy treatment: a surgery programme aimed at improving care for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, on Thursday (February 13, 2025) announced a significant advancement in epilepsy treatment: a surgery programme aimed at improving care for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Addressing mediapersons in the city, leading specialists from Apollo Hospitals, including Arvind Sukumaran, senior consultant neurosurgeon, and S. Muthukani, senior consultant neurologist and epileptologist, highlighted the urgent need for surgical intervention, noting that epilepsy patients continue to experience seizures despite medication.
“Epilepsy impacts patients’ quality of life. Many face significant social stigma, leading to isolation and psychological distress,” said Dr. Sukumaran, adding, “Through this programme, we aim to provide effective treatment that can help patients regain normalcy and independence.”
The advanced epilepsy surgery programme employs state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies, including augmented reality-enabled neuro-navigation, intraoperative ultrasound, and intraoperative electrocorticography. With advanced imaging techniques such as 3T MRI, a dedicated video EEG suite, and PET CT scanning, specialists can now achieve greater precision in both diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking at the event, Sangeetha, who underwent the epilepsy surgery, said: “I want others living with epilepsy to never stop looking for a solution or a diagnosis.”
Experts also raised awareness about lesser-known epilepsy symptoms. “Not all epilepsy cases present with obvious seizures. Symptoms like brief staring spells, sudden confusion, or even repeated unusual sensations can indicate an underlying issue,” explained Dr. Muthukani.
The programme has already demonstrated promising results, with 15 pilot surgeries performed and 13 patients achieving complete seizure freedom. Plans are afoot to introduce robotic stereotactic EEG technology, further enhancing epilepsy care in India.
Arrest of Vamsi illegal, says YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana. The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has been resorting to vendetta politics since coming to power, and has failed to implement its electoral promises, he says.
UDF hartal in Wayanad over wild animal attacks disrupts daily life, affecting businesses, transportation, and educational institutions.
Kalaburagi CPI(M) demands Karnataka government enforce Micro Loan Ordinance, curb microfinance harassment, and support self-help groups.
CITU representatives seek action against contract worker employment at Samsung and S.H. Electronics India factories in Sriperumbudur.
Kalyana Karnataka Literary Festival at Gulbarga University features seminars, renowned writers, and interactive sessions on literature.
Beyond a rise in operational expenses, BMRCL is grappling with substantial loan repayment commitments, officials said.
A significant ruling by the Delhi High Court – former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar has been convicted in a dual murder case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Comedian Samay Raina summoned by Maharashtra Cyber Department and Mumbai Police over controversial remarks, investigations ongoing.
Water level in Mullaperiyar dam on Thursday stood at 118.15 feet (the maximum permissible level is 142 ft.) with nil inflow and a discharge of 467 cusecs.
Sri Lankan Tamils in Tiruvannamalai town to receive new houses with better facilities and safety, funded by the State.
As part of its efforts to beautify public places, the Tiruchi Corporation has initiated beautification work beneath the Thennur Road overbridge
First leg of Budget session ends with IT Bill and Waqf bill reports tabled; car drives in crowd in Munich injuring many, and more on top news on February 13, 2025
Nilgiris District denies plans to close 85 government schools with fewer than 15 students, aiming to improve education quality.