Fortis Hospital Manesar has successfully treated three children from Uzbekistan suffering from severe, drug-resistant epilepsy, offering renewed hope for better seizure control and an improved quality of life. The multidisciplinary medical team combined advanced neuromodulation technology with precision microsurgery to address the complex neurological conditions of the three young patients.
Despite receiving multiple anti-seizure medications, the children continued to experience frequent seizures. Following detailed evaluations, the doctors developed individualised treatment plans based on each child’s medical needs. As a result, two children underwent Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) implantation, while the third received a specialised microsurgical brain procedure. Early follow-up assessments showed encouraging improvements in seizure control.
Advanced Treatments for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
The medical team was led by Dr. Nishant Yagnick, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Manesar, and Dr. Sidharth Agarwal, Associate Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Manesar. Drug-resistant epilepsy occurs when seizures remain uncontrolled despite appropriate treatment with anti-seizure medications. In selected cases, advanced treatment options such as neuromodulation and epilepsy surgery can help manage seizures when medicines alone do not provide adequate control. At Fortis Manesar, the doctors selected the appropriate intervention for each child after assessing their neurological condition, seizure patterns and medical history.
VNS Implantation Helps Two Children Achieve Better Seizure Control
Three-year-old Muhammad Ziyo Khojakulov experienced significant developmental delays, speech difficulties and three to four seizures every day, including recurrent episodes at night. Despite prolonged treatment with multiple anti-seizure medications, his seizures remained uncontrolled.
To address his condition, the medical team performed a specialised nerve-stimulation implantation procedure under general anaesthesia. The procedure was completed successfully, and no seizures were reported following the intervention.
The early outcome offers renewed hope for improved seizure control and developmental progress. With continued medical supervision and follow-up, the treatment may help him participate more fully in everyday activities, including schooling, as he grows.
Five-Year-Old Girl Experiences a Dramatic Reduction in Seizures
Five-year-old Shakhlo Kuvandikova experienced frequent brief blackouts and episodes of blank staring, occurring multiple times every minute. She also faced challenges associated with hyperactivity, which affected her daily activities and personal safety. Following a successful VNS implantation procedure, her seizure frequency dropped dramatically. This improvement has created opportunities for a safer, more active childhood and greater participation in everyday activities.
Microsurgery Improves Seizure Control in an 11-Year-Old Boy
Eleven-year-old Ibrohimjon Pardabaev had experienced birth-related weakness affecting one side of his body. He subsequently developed seizures that remained uncontrolled despite standard medical treatment, significantly affecting his daily functioning and quality of life. To address his condition, the Fortis Manesar team performed a specialised four-hour microsurgical brain procedure under general anaesthesia. Following surgery, the child experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency. His doctors were also able to reduce his anti-seizure medication from three drugs to one. In addition, he demonstrated noticeable improvements in speech and hand movement, indicating encouraging progress in his neurological recovery.
Individualised Treatment Offers Hope for Long-Term Management
Following treatment, all three children have shown encouraging progress, with improvements in seizure control. According to the hospital, the patients are undergoing gradual medication adjustments under close medical supervision. Advanced neuromodulation techniques can provide an additional option for long-term seizure management in appropriately selected patients. Device-based therapies such as VNS can be adjusted over time to support ongoing treatment needs as children grow. However, long-term outcomes vary depending on the underlying neurological condition and response to treatment. Regular follow-ups, continued monitoring and individualised care remain essential to support recovery and improve quality of life.
Doctors Emphasise Early Evaluation and Personalised Care
Dr. Nishant Yagnick, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said, “Drug-resistant epilepsy in children requires detailed evaluation to understand the underlying condition and identify the most appropriate treatment. In these cases, we used nerve stimulation and specialised microscopic brain surgery based on each child’s medical needs. The early outcomes have been encouraging, with better seizure control and reduced medication requirements. We aim to help children achieve sustained seizure control, ideally with minimal or no medication, wherever clinically appropriate. Timely medical intervention and the correct line of treatment can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.”
Dr. Sidharth Agarwal, Associate Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Manesar, highlighted the broader impact of uncontrolled seizures on childhood development. He said, “Frequent seizures can affect a child’s development, sleep, communication, education and ability to participate in everyday activities. Advanced treatment options such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation therapy (VNS) and epilepsy surgery can help selected children who do not respond adequately to medication. While continued monitoring and long-term follow-up remain essential, the improvements seen in these cases are encouraging. Better seizure control can potentially allow children to participate more confidently in school, play and other activities as they grow.”
Fortis Manesar Reinforces Commitment to Specialised Neurological Care
Indrajeet Kumar Singh, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Manesar, said, “These cases underscore Fortis Manesar’s commitment to delivering advanced, specialised care to children with complex neurological conditions. Managing drug-resistant epilepsy requires a comprehensive approach involving accurate diagnosis, careful evaluation and individualised treatment strategies. By combining advanced neuromodulation techniques with precision microsurgery, we were able to offer these young patients new treatment options. The progress observed so far is encouraging, and we remain committed to supporting their long-term recovery through continuous medical supervision, regular follow-ups and personalised care.” As per the press release, the successful treatment of these three children highlights the role of specialised neurological evaluation, neuromodulation and epilepsy surgery in managing selected cases of drug-resistant epilepsy. With individualised treatment and continued follow-up, such interventions may help eligible children achieve better seizure control and improve their ability to participate in everyday life.