When seizures take over your life – the story of a 12-year-old boy battling multiple seizures

The Hindu

08-06-2025

A 12-year-old boy from Yemen, named Yusuf, was suffering from multiple seizures every single day for a very long time. He was placed on 7 to 8 anti-epileptic medicines and was unable to walk, go to school, and even do simple tasks without help. His childhood was slowly slipping away, not just to a disease, but to the fear and helplessness that comes with it.
An MRI scan done in his country showed a lesion on left side of brain, which had been previously ignored as a scar. Further investigations were conducted, including a battery of tests like video EEG, special MRIs including functional MRI, and interictal PET scans, after which it was found that the lesion in his brain was actually a tumour, and his seizures were originating from it. A precise yet gentle procedure known as a craniectomy with neuro-navigation guided microscopic tumour removal was performed — not just to remove the tumour, but to give Yusuf a chance at a normal, seizure-free life. Biopsy of the tumour tissue showed that the lesion on the left side of the brain was in fact a Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET), a rare, benign brain tumour commonly associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in children.
Only three weeks post-operation, Yusuf had eliminated seizures. With full restoration of physical abilities, he was able to walk, run, and return to school, allowing him to fully embrace the joys of childhood without fear.
A seizure is one of the most terrifying experiences one may have
It starts with subtle neurological signs of sudden blackouts, a strange twitching while watching TV, or a moment of lost time during your morning commute. For many, these instances are ignored, thinking of as stress or dehydration, but these can be the early signs of seizures.
Seizures are among the most common neurological symptoms, which relate to epilepsy, a chronic disorder that involves abnormal brain activity that results in recurrent seizures. However, not every seizure is caused by epilepsy. When this frequently occurs, it may be a sign of a brain tumour.
Brain tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue within the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) that can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. These tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may originate in the brain itself or spread from other parts of the body.
As per the GLOBOCAN 2022, brain tumours in India account for around 2% of all cancer-related cases in India, with new patients crossing the 30,000 mark annually. Children's brain tumours are particularly concerning, with the increase in diagnoses emphasising the importance of awareness and accessibility to specialised treatment needed during the early stage.
Recognising the signs
Brain tumours can show their symptoms in many ways, depending on their location and growth. Warning signs include persistent morning headaches, frequent nausea, new or worsening seizures, vision or hearing changes, movement difficulties, memory loss, personality shifts, and, in children, delays in milestones like walking. While all symptoms need immediate attention, seizures and sudden behaviour changes should never be ignored.
Seizures in epilepsy follow a consistent pattern and are often the only symptom of this condition. Whereas in the case of a brain tumour, seizures are accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as speech difficulties, vision problems, and other cognitive and behavioural alterations.
Seizures are usually connected with epilepsy, a chronic disorder characterised by recurring episodes of abnormal brain activity and can signal a brain tumour as well as this triggers the surrounding brain tissue, disrupting normal electrical activity, leading to seizures. Brain tumours can affect anyone however, the impact is most pronounced in children. Even non-cancerous tumours can have a significant impact on the functions of the brain.
Children diagnosed with brain tumours often suffer from epilepsy that does not respond to medication, causing intellectual stagnation, impairments in physical abilities, and acquired dependence. Besides the physical dangers posed, seizures are perhaps the most traumatic symptom and necessitate great mental strength from both the child and their loved ones. A unique but significant tumour to be familiar with is the Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET). This tumour is often associated with medically refractory epilepsy in children, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can greatly diminish their quality of life.
Safeguarding ourselves and our family members
It is important to recognise that many brain tumours develop due to complex genetic and environmental factors beyond our control. While not all brain tumours are preventable, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk. Minimising unnecessary radiation exposure, using a hands-free mobile phone, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco can all help. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, also benefits brain health. Most importantly, being aware of early warning symptoms such as persistent headaches or personality changes and getting instant medical assistance can result in early detection and better outcomes.
In the case of unexplained seizure episodes or any other concerning symptoms, consultation with the doctor should be done without any delay, as timely intervention and focused action on the problem can be life changing.
(Dr. Anurag Saxena,Cluster Head Delhi NCR – Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, Email : [e-mail])