Accident – Death – Obituary News :

A Breakthrough in Paediatric Epilepsy Treatment at Children’s Hospital in London

Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has achieved a significant milestone in paediatric epilepsy treatment, marking the first of its kind in Canada. Makayla Douglass, an 11-year-old patient, who used to endure up to 30 seizures per day, has found respite through a revolutionary procedure known as Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation.

Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation is a minimally invasive technique that employs the use of radio waves transmitted through electrodes to heat and eliminate tissue in the brain areas identified as the source of seizure activity. Spearheading this groundbreaking procedure is Dr. Andrea Andrade, the esteemed director of the paediatric epilepsy program at Children’s Hospital, LHSC.

Dr. Andrade explains, “We successfully implanted electrodes directly into Makayla’s brain to pinpoint the origin of the seizure activity, which we discovered was located in a deep brain region called the insula. The insula is a particularly challenging area to access for surgical intervention. Using controlled temperature ablation, we were able to warm up the affected tissue and remove the sections responsible for triggering the seizures.”

Adding to the success of the procedure is the incorporation of the ROSA One Brain, a cutting-edge robotic arm. Generously funded through donations to the Children’s Health Foundation, the ROSA One Brain aids in minimally invasive, robot-assisted epilepsy surgeries. Dr. Andrade highlights the advantages of this novel approach, stating, “The use of the robotic arm during the procedure significantly reduces anxiety for both patients and their families. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open skull surgeries, resulting in a remarkably swift recovery time.”

Makayla’s father, Jeff Douglass, expresses his gratitude, saying, “This innovative procedure has given Makayla her life back. It’s truly incredible that we have access to this option here in London. It has transformed our entire family, and Makayla can finally enjoy being a child again.”

It has now been six months since Makayla underwent her second Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation procedure, and she has remained seizure-free throughout this period. Jeff shares his thoughts on their journey, saying, “Although it still feels surreal at times, and we may occasionally wonder if another seizure will occur, each passing day without one fills us with optimism. We are looking forward to a bright and seizure-free future for Makayla.”

This remarkable breakthrough in paediatric epilepsy treatment at Children’s Hospital, LHSC, brings hope to countless families across Canada. With its successful implementation and the positive impact it has had on Makayla’s life, this procedure is set to revolutionize the management of epilepsy in children, offering them a chance at a brighter and seizure-free future.

.