Pune: Doctors at Manipal Hospitals Baner have successfully performed a Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery on a 9-year-old boy from Bengaluru, offering fresh hope in his battle against drug-resistant multifocal epilepsy.
Child Suffered Daily Seizures for Five Years
The boy had been living with epileptic encephalopathy for the past five years, experiencing frequent seizures despite multiple medications. His condition had severely impacted his speech, movement, cognition, and overall development, leading to regression of milestones.
At Manipal Hospitals Baner, the child underwent video EEG monitoring, where Dr. Mudassar, Epileptologist and Neurologist, confirmed continuous electrical discharges from both sides of the brain. After detailed discussions in a comprehensive epilepsy surgery meet, doctors and parents agreed on VNS surgery as the best treatment option.
Why VNS Over Other Surgeries
The procedure was led by Dr. Amit Dhakoji, Head of the Department and Consultant – Epilepsy Neurosurgeon, who has performed over 500 epilepsy surgeries. Instead of opting for procedures like corpus callosotomy, the team chose VNS, where a tiny pulse generator is implanted in the chest and connected to the vagus nerve in the neck.
This device delivers mild electrical impulses at set intervals, reducing the intensity and frequency of seizures. The generator can be adjusted using automated or magnetic modes during recovery.
Early Signs of Improvement
Speaking about the case, Dr. Amit Dhakoji said:
“This child’s development had started to decline and his seizures remained uncontrolled despite numerous medications. While VNS will not cure epilepsy, it can stabilize brain function, delay neuronal deterioration, and greatly reduce seizure burden. Already, he has shown early signs of improvement with fewer episodes.”
The child will undergo regular device adjustments every two weeks for three months, with close monitoring to optimize stimulation. The battery requires replacement every five years.
Commitment to Innovation
Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospitals Pune, added:
“Manipal Institute of Neuro Sciences (NINS) remains committed to timely and effective patient care. This successful case reflects our dedication to advanced medical innovation and collaborative treatment for better outcomes.”
The surgery was carried out by Dr. Dhakoji and his neurosurgical team. Manipal Hospitals Baner has a dedicated epilepsy management unit, ensuring comprehensive care for complex cases.
