A state-of-the-art procedure was recently performed at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Cleveland Clinic, for patients with Epilepsy who suffer from frequent seizures and cannot tolerate or do not respond to medication.
The procedure, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), is a battery-powered device that is surgically implanted under the skin of the chest, much like a pacemaker, and is attached to the vagus nerve in the lower neck.
Epilepsy, one of the oldest recorded diseases, is a chronic condition characterized by repeated seizures that affects more than 60 million people worldwide. Despite its relative frequency, epilepsy is sometimes misdiagnosed, mistreated, or both.
Physicians at the neuroscience program of SKMC are among the first groups in the Gulf region to offer this modality of treatment. Dr. Taoufik Al Saadi, Consultant and Head of Neurology service at SKMC stated, “Since the launch of our Epilepsy Clinic in mid 2007, we have identified and offered this surgery for a total of 15 patients. Overall, most of these patients had more than 60-70 % reduction of their seizures; of these, 2 patients had almost complete seizure freedom.”
“In addition, most patients had subjective improvements in their mood, alertness, and overall interactions with their surroundings. Furthermore, 50% of our patients were able to reduce the number of baseline antiepileptic medications they were taking prior to surgery,” Dr. Al Saadi added.
Carl Stanifer, CEO of SEHA added, “The continued expansion and ongoing success of medical and surgical services at SKMC are significant steps forward towards a healthcare system comparable to the best in the world.
This is yet another milestone for SEHA and SKMC as pioneers in the medical and healthcare field in the region.” Tej Maini, CEO of SKMC stated, “We continuously expand our capabilities to perform new procedures for our patients.
This illustrates our commitment to embracing state-of-the-art medical and surgical practices that allow our surgeons to advance the standard of care for their patients. Performing this procedure at SKMC demonstrates SEHA, SKMC and Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to improving the lives of patients through innovation.”
WAM