Events & Launches Health & Medical Home Life & Styles News Public News Technology

Memory Preserving Cyberknife Procedure Performed on an Epilepsy Patient at Apollo Cancer Centre for First Time in South India

34 year old athelete was suffering from Epilepsy for over a decade

Chennai, July 22nd 2021: Apollo Cancer Centre successfully performed a Cyber knife Radiosurgery procedure on a 34-year-old athlete from New Zealand relieving him from symptoms of a special form of epilepsy called Medial temporal lobe Epilepsy(MTLE) while preserving his memories.

Mr.Thomas (name changed), a 34-year-old athlete and a software professional working in Auckland, New Zealand started experiencing recurrent episodes of a sense of butterflies in his stomach with occasional attacks of unconsciousness in 2009. He was under treatment by neurologist in New Zealand with a diagnosis of Simple partial seizures. However, between 2010 to 2015 he had multiple seizure attacks, imaging revealed rare type of Epilepsy called Medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) which were controlled with anti-epileptic medicines.

Mr.Thomas seizures, increased in frequency & could not be controlled with medications. Eventually he was advised to explore a surgical option in New Zealand. He Consulted Dr.Shankar, Senior Radiation Oncologist & Cyberknife Expert at Apollo Cancer Center around January 2021 and was advised to undergo a detailed neuropsychological assessment. Mr.Thomas had visual memory scores at 90th percentile before any surgical interventions.

Dr.Muthukani, Senior Epileptologist, Apollo Hospitals alluded that MTLE is one of common type of epilepsy and is often characterized by the sense of an aura immediately preceding the seizure. MTLE affects the inner part of the temporal lobe of the brain, specifically in area called the hippocampus, which processes memories.

Microsurgery is first treatment option for Drug resistant MTLE. However, surgery poses some risk to memory. Mr.Thomas was keen on preserving his memory and get his siezures under control by exploring alternative promising option- Cyberknife Radiosurgery. Cyberknife is a non-invasive option which involves delivery of X-Rays/Gamma rays with great (submm) accuracy. It is a day care procedure and completed in a single session over 30mts.

Dr.Shankar alluded that “Radiosurgery is not for all the MTLE patients. It is used in select indications who fit into following criteria – Young patients with High level of functioning, Socially adapted, Working, and Few neuropsychological deficit before Treatment. Radiosurgery in such patients provide favourable efficacy (nearly 70% Engel class 1 response) comparable to surgical series and superior memory preservation.”
Mr.Thomas has been tapered of the medications to lower doses and there are no new episodes of seizures. He is back to his regular work with rejuvenated energy.

About Apollo Hospitals:

It was in 1983, that Dr. Prathap C Reddy made a pioneering endeavor by launching India’s first corporate hospital – Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Now, as Asia’s foremost trusted integrated healthcare group, its presence includes over 12,000 beds across 71 Hospitals, 3300 Pharmacies, over 90 Primary Care clinics and 150 Diagnostic centers, 110 plus Telemedicine Centres, over 15 medical education centres and a Research Foundation with a focus on global Clinical Trials, epidemiological studies, stem cell & genetic research, Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of new medical advancements with the most recent investment being the commissioning of South East Asia’s very first Proton Therapy Centre in Chennai. Every four days, the Apollo Hospitals Group touches a million lives, in its mission to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual. In a rare honour, the Government of India had issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo’s contribution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010.

For 35 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Its hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals in the country for advanced medical services.

For further details, log onto: http://www.apollohospitals.com

Back To Top