Times of India
17 January 2009
By Malathy Iyer
Mumbai, India

At 24, Kandivli resident Ram has only recently started moving around the city on his own. He has epilepsy, a neurological disorder, due to which his parents never left him alone–they even accompanied him to his graduation exams.

“In college, I had few friends,” says the youth who did not encash his first salary cheque till he showed it to civic-run KEM Hospital’s team that attends to patients with epilepsy.

Over two years ago, he was directed to KEM Hospital in Parel where doctors recommended brain surgery as the only option for him. “At KEM Hospital we spent only Rs 5,000 for the specialised operation,” says Ram, who has not had a seizure since the operation.

On Saturday, KEM Hospital’s neurology and neurosurgery teams will observe a unique landmark–the completion of 100 brain surgeries for epilepsy. “Around the world, there is growing recognition that surgery is the best option for patients with uncontrolled epilepsy despite medication,” says neurologist Sangeeta Ravat.

Malini, 19, didn’t think twice about undergoing brain surgery even though a rare side-effect includes paralysis. “While pursuing pharmacy after Class XII, I was ostracised at my college and hostel as I would get fits at least twice every day,” recalls the youngster, who has since given up pharmacy to pursue management studies.