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 to Israel 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 can be triggered by infection and fever, leading to sudden, drug-resistant seizures. "It is such a rare syndrome that there are not even medical data on its rarity," explained Dr. Stefan Mausbach, director of the Neurological Intensive Care Unit at Shaare Zedek. To stop the life-threatening seizures, doctors placed Hershel into a deep coma, using the anesthetic isoflurane for approximately a month, a highly unusual application for such an extended period.

During her coma, Hershel received intensive multidisciplinary treatment, including biological and autoimmune medications, continuous EEG monitoring, and the implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator by a neurosurgery team led by Dr. Gustavo Reis to help reduce seizure frequency. "The broad multidisciplinary treatment led to a gradual improvement in Ariela's condition, until after more than 80 days we could safely wake her from the coma," Dr. Mausbach stated.

Upon waking, Hershel showed immediate signs of recovery, regaining movement and speech. Her husband, Yosef, described the ordeal as "very frightening" but praised the medical team, who became like family during their long stay. Hershel, who immigrated from the US 19 years ago, is now undergoing active rehabilitation and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for saving my life."