Jerusalem Mother Recovers After 80-Day Medically Induced Coma for Rare Epilepsy

Ariela Hershel, a 41-year-old mother of seven from Jerusalem, has recovered after spending over 80 days in a medically induced coma due to a rare neurological condition. Hershel returned from a vacation in the United States and began experiencing confusion and severe seizures. Initially suspected to be dehydration by her family, her condition rapidly worsened upon arrival at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where doctors diagnosed her with FIRES syndrome (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome).

FIRES is an extremely rare epileptic syndrome triggered by infection and fever, characterized by sudden, drug-resistant seizures. Dr. Stefan Mausbach, director of the neurological intensive care unit at Shaare Zedek, explained the rarity of the condition, noting a lack of extensive medical data. To halt the life-threatening seizures, doctors placed Hershel into a deep coma, using the anesthetic isoflurane for nearly a month, a highly unusual application for such an extended period.

Alongside the induced coma, Hershel received intensive biological and autoimmune drug treatments under continuous EEG monitoring. A neurosurgery team, led by Dr. Gustavo Reis, implanted a vagal nerve stimulator to help reduce seizure frequency. This multidisciplinary approach, involving neurology, infectious diseases, hematology, and other specialists, gradually improved her condition.

After more than 80 days, Hershel was safely brought out of the coma. Her husband, Yosef, described the ordeal as "very frightening" due to the increasingly severe seizures. Upon waking, Hershel showed immediate signs of recovery, regaining movement and speech. The frequency of her seizures significantly decreased following the combined treatments. Hershel, who immigrated from the U.S. 19 years ago, is now undergoing active rehabilitation and expressed her gratitude to the medical team, saying, "Thank you for saving my life."

Dr. Mausbach highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, attributing the successful outcome to the hospital's experience with similar rare cases globally. The medical team involved included specialists from the neurology department, the epilepsy clinic, and various support services.