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

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 Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES).

FIRES is an extremely rare epileptic syndrome that occurs after a fever or infection, causing sudden, drug-resistant seizures. Dr. Stefan Mausbach, director of the Neurological Intensive Care Unit at Shaare Zedek, explained the syndrome's rarity and the critical need for intervention. To stop the life-threatening seizures, doctors placed Hershel into a deep coma, using the anesthetic isoflurane for about a month, a highly unusual application for such an extended period.

Alongside the induced coma, Hershel received 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. After more than 80 days, the medical team was able to safely bring Hershel out of the coma.

Her husband, Yosef, described the ordeal as "very frightening" due to the increasingly severe seizures. He noted the medical team became like family during their long stay. Upon waking, Hershel was able to move and speak, with a significant reduction in seizure activity. She is now undergoing active rehabilitation and expressed gratitude to the medical staff, 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 cases globally. The multidisciplinary treatment involved teams from neurology, epilepsy, infectious diseases, hematology, and rehabilitation specialists.