Israeli Woman Awakens From Four-Month Coma After Experimental Brain Stimulation

A woman, identified only as 'A', has awakened from a four-month coma following a groundbreaking deep brain stimulation procedure at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. The ordeal began with what appeared to be a routine fever, but rapidly escalated. Within days, 'A' experienced severe, continuous epileptic seizures, lost her pulse, and required resuscitation. She was placed in a medically induced coma and put on a ventilator, with advanced treatments failing to control her brain's abnormal electrical activity.

Doctors at Hadassah decided on an unconventional approach: an invasive brain mapping procedure followed by the implantation of four electrodes for deep brain stimulation (DBS). This technology, typically used for movement disorders like Parkinson's, was employed here to address the extreme case of continuous seizures. The invasive mapping allowed neurosurgeons to precisely identify the brain regions responsible for the seizures, revealing a network on both sides of the brain feeding the activity.

Following the implantation, the DBS system began sending electrical impulses to specific brain areas. Within days of activating the system, a dramatic decrease in abnormal brain activity was observed. Medical staff gradually reduced her sedatives until they were stopped, and 'A' regained consciousness. Her husband expressed hope that she will return to her children as a healthy mother.

Dr. Sami Hayman, the senior neurosurgeon who led the procedure, described the case as rare and extreme with very low recovery chances. He credited the success to a multidisciplinary team's collaborative effort, advanced technology, and innovative thinking. The family expressed deep gratitude for the comprehensive support received from the hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers, alongside prayers and assistance from neighbors and friends.

'A' is now facing a lengthy rehabilitation process, which will include physical and cognitive recovery and relearning basic functions. Her husband called her awakening a miracle.