Ethiopia Patient Successfully Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation For Epilepsy in India

These electrodes generate electrical impulses that influence brain activity to treat certain medical conditions. The impulses can also affect brain cells and chemicals responsible for these conditions. The level of stimulation in DBS is regulated by a pacemaker-like device implanted under the skin in the upper chest. A wire running under the skin connects this device to the brain electrodes.

Kibra Kebede, a 54-year-old woman from Ethiopia, had been struggling with severe epilepsy for many years. Despite trying various medications and therapies, her symptoms remained uncontrollable. Desperate for a viable solution, Kibra’s daughter, Mia, began researching alternative treatments. She learned about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for epilepsy and started looking for treatment options online. During her search, she came across our Dheeraj Bojwani website and decided to reach out for assistance.

Mia connected with one of our dedicated case managers and shared her mother's condition and its severity. The case manager promptly assisted Mia in finding a highly skilled neurosurgeon of India and had Kibra's medical history thoroughly reviewed. Based on the detailed analysis, the surgeon recommended a treatment plan involving DBS.

Encouraged by the expert opinion and the comprehensive plan, Mia decided to travel to India with her mother for the treatment. After landing in India, they were warmly welcomed and escorted to the Jaslok Hospital Mumbai. There, they met the Dr. Paresh Doshi who would be leading Kibra’s case. During their initial consultations, the Dr. Paresh Doshi discussed the potential risks and benefits of DBS, putting Mia and Kibra at ease with the clear and detailed explanations.

The medical team then conducted a series of tests and brain-imaging studies to map the precise areas of Kibra's brain where the electrodes would be implanted. After a thorough screening process, they proceeded with the implantation surgery. Dr. Paresh Doshi, along with a team, carefully monitored Kibra's brain activity throughout the procedure to ensure the correct placement of the electrodes. The surgery was a success, with the electrodes being implanted accurately.

A few weeks after the surgery, Kibra returned to the Jaslok Hospital Mumbai to have the pulse generator in her chest activated. The amount of stimulation was carefully customized to her specific condition, aiming to provide the maximum benefit in reducing her epileptic symptoms. The medical team continued to monitor her progress, adjusting the stimulation levels as needed to achieve optimal results.

At present, Kibra is back in Ethiopia with her daughter Mia, experiencing significantly reduced symptoms of epilepsy. She is thrilled to be able to continue living her life with fewer disruptions and a much-improved quality of life. Kibra and Mia are immensely grateful for the exceptional care and support they received throughout their journey.