𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺-𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘌𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘴𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮, 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘳𝘶𝘨 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴

Chennai, 13 February, 2025: Apollo Hospitals Chennai has launched an advanced Technology-led Epilepsy Surgery Program, strengthening its commitment to comprehensive neurological care. This initiative combines cutting-edge technology with Apollo’s extensive clinical expertise, and management of epilepsy. The program highlights Apollo Hospitals' extensive dedication to medical excellence and innovation in healthcare.

(L - R): Dr Venkatasalam, DMS, Apollo Hospitals Chennai; , Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals; Dr. S. Muthukani, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, Apollo Hospitals along with the patients

This Epilepsy Surgery Program operates through the combined resources of Apollo Main Hospital and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, ensuring access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technologies. The facility is equipped with a 3T MRI, soundproofed video EEG suite, and PET CT scans, facilitating precise pre-surgical evaluation. The program also incorporates advanced surgical adjuncts, including augmented reality-enabled neuro navigation, intraoperative ultrasound, intraoperative electrocorticography, and a high-precision operative microscope, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in epilepsy treatment.

The program is led by a distinguished team of specialists, including Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, and Dr. S. Muthukani, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, both of whom have received specialized training in epilepsy management. The program has successfully conducted 15 pilot epilepsy surgeries, with intraoperative EEG or electrocorticography enhancing surgical precision. Among these cases, 13 patients have achieved complete seizure freedom, demonstrating the efficacy of Apollo Hospitals’ multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy treatment.

Launching the program, Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, said, "Epilepsy surgery has evolved significantly over the years at Apollo hospitals Chennai, offering new hope to patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. With this integrated state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary approach, Apollo hospitals can now perform highly precise procedures that maximize the chances of seizure freedom. This program represents a transformative step in epilepsy management in India.”

Dr. S. Muthukani, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, Apollo Hospitals, added, "In India a significant number of epilepsy patients continue to struggle with seizures despite optimal medical therapy. Our advanced surgical program provides a definitive solution for appropriate cases, offering potential seizure-free life. Apollo Hospitals has always been a pioneer in taking up advanced technology to create a holistic approach and ensuring cutting-edge treatment. We aim to improve neurological care and patient outcomes across India.”

Apollo Hospitals has also established strategic collaborations with premier institutions such as NIMHANS and Amrita Institute, further enhancing its diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. These partnerships reinforce Apollo’s commitment to delivering holistic, research-driven, and patient-centric care.

Despite significant medical advancements, awareness regarding epilepsy surgery remains low in India, even in urban areas. Of the 50 lakh individuals affected by epilepsy nationwide, nearly 25% could benefit from surgical intervention, with approximately half of these patients having the potential to achieve complete seizure control. Timely intervention is crucial, as epilepsy surgery can significantly improve the quality of life by enhancing cognitive functions in children and reducing medication dependency in adults.

Looking ahead, Apollo Hospitals plans to further expand its epilepsy care program with the introduction of robotic stereotactic EEG, reaffirming its position as a pioneer in neurological care and medical innovation. With this newly launched program, Apollo Hospitals remains committed to pioneering advancements in patient care, medical research, and healthcare innovation.

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