Complex brain surgery gives new lease of life to Bharuch girl

Vadodara: A 10-year-old girl from Bharuch, who had been suffering recurrent stroke-like episodes that caused weakness, numbness, headaches and speech difficulties, has made a full recovery after undergoing a complex brain surgery for the rare Moyamoya disease.The child had been experiencing frequent neurological attacks due to the progressive cerebrovascular disorder, which causes narrowing of critical arteries at the base of the brain and restricts blood flow. If left untreated, the condition can lead to recurrent strokes, seizures, developmental delays and permanent neurological damage.Following extensive evaluation and advanced neuroimaging, the patient was referred to the neurosciences team at Parul Sevashram Hospital, led by director of neurosciences Dr Iype Cherian.The team performed an encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) procedure, a specialised revascularisation surgery designed to restore blood supply to the brain by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels.Dr Cherian said the surgery was particularly challenging as the patient’s superficial temporal artery was extremely fragile. However, meticulous planning, precision microsurgical techniques and coordinated perioperative care enabled the team to successfully complete the procedure.Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular disorder that progressively blocks blood flow to the brain. The condition derives its name from a Japanese term meaning “puff of smoke”, referring to the appearance of the network of tiny collateral blood vessels that form as the brain attempts to compensate for reduced blood supply.Medical experts said early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are critical to preventing disease progression and reducing the risk of long-term neurological complications.The child recovered well after the surgery and was discharged in stable condition within a few days.“The successful treatment underscores the importance of multidisciplinary expertise and access to advanced neurological care,” said Dr Geetika Patel, medical director of Parul Sevashram Hospital.