Riyadh, October 29
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has successfully removed a drug-resistant epileptic focus responsible for severe seizures without the need for traditional open-brain surgery. This groundbreaking procedure – the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East – utilized thermal radiofrequency in conjunction with electroencephalography (EEG).
Led by Dr. Ibrahim Althubaiti, a consultant neurosurgeon at KFSHRC, this innovative and minimally invasive procedure targets the removal, or neutralization, of the epileptic focus that triggers recurrent seizures, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. These seizures often hinder individuals from engaging in everyday activities such as studying, working, and engaging in social interactions. Additionally, the recurrent nature of these seizures increases the risk of physical injuries due to sudden loss of motor control.
This pioneering medical intervention serves as an effective solution to alleviate patient suffering and enhance their quality of life. The frequent necessity for emergency department visits adds to the psychological and physical burden on both patients and their families while also increasing healthcare costs for the healthcare system. This novel procedure brings patients renewed hope for overcoming recurrent seizures, regardless of their age.
The thermal radiofrequency technique effectively destroys the cells responsible for seizures by inserting a fine needle into the brain, thereby eliminating the need for open-brain surgery. This approach not only reduces risks but also accelerates the recovery process.
The KFSHRC Neurosciences Center is globally recognized in terms of surgical volume and complexity. It has successfully conducted the separation of the epileptogenic lobe for the youngest child in the world, just 14 days old. The Center was the first to successfully implant thin electrodes for the precise identification of epileptic foci, offering exceptional medical services to patients locally and globally while demonstrating its capability to perform surgeries for children and adults alike.
It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, in the same year, it was ranked among the world’s best 250 hospitals and included in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at [email protected]
