A Scottish teenager grappling with epilepsy has achieved a seizure-free life following a transformative laser brain surgery, as reported by the New York Post. Notably, 17-year-old Angus Bain endured epileptic fits at least once a week for the past 13 years. However, the teen recently underwent groundbreaking surgery that removed the brain tissue triggering seizures. A mere ten weeks post-surgery, the teenager has not experienced a single episode, according to his mother.
“I’ve never had such a long period without having a seizure; it’s an amazing relief. I’m so happy. Christmas is a big occasion, and now it will be even bigger this year. Being able to have this surgery is amazing. I think it could change my life forever by enabling me to do the things I haven’t been able to do,” Mr. Bain shared with BBC Scotland News.
The surgery took place at the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital in October. Utilizing innovative laser technology known as MRI-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), the procedure is minimally invasive, lasting just under two hours, with a relatively short recovery time.
In the course of the procedure, a laser removed a specific portion of his brain responsible for the seizures.
“The laser surgery is a remarkable advancement for certain patients and offers those with epilepsy a genuine opportunity to lead a normal life. The impact of the surgery has been transformative not only for Angus but for the entire family,” remarked Dr. Jothy Kandasamy, consultant neurosurgeon at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of four, the teenager, who resides in Gateside, Fife, has endured years of heavy medication, numerous tests, and scans.
His mother, Nicki Bain, aged 48, expressed, “Our lives have revolved around Angus’s epilepsy since he was four. He has been on a plethora of heavy medications, endured wires in his head, brain stimulation, and numerous tests and scans. The lead-up to a seizure would span a few days, and after the seizure, it took another couple of days for him to recover, so I don’t believe he’s ever truly experienced a normal day.
The teenager expressed his aspirations, saying he hopes to one day obtain his driver’s license, engage in rugby, or go skiing—activities that were deemed too risky for him prior to the surgery.