Doha - 2 May 2011: The Neurology Surgery Department of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) organized, on 05 May, 2011 at Hajar Auditorium a scientific workshop during which a new treatment for epilepsy in children, not responsive to medication, was announced.
The new type of epilepsy treatment includes Vagus Nerve Stimulator - VNS.
The occasion was attended by Dr. Mohamed Al-janahi, Head of Pediatric Section at HMC; Dr. Khalid Ibrahim, Head of Pediatrics Neurology Surgery Section at HMC and the coordinator of the workshop; Dr. Mohamed Fawzi, Consultant Pediatrics Neurology Surgery and Dr. Amna Al-Matawa, Specialist Neurology Surgery.
The workshop discussed various types of epilepsies, the diagnosis and treatment of severe cases capitalizing on the latest available high technological equipment and highly experienced neurology surgery consultants in the region. The workshop, also, included five scientific papers presented by physicians from HMC and Weill Cornell Medical College- Qatar (WCMC-Q).
Dr. Khalid Ibrahim, Head of Pediatrics Neurology Surgery Section at HMC and the coordinator of the workshop said that the main objective of the workshop is to announce the launch of the new epilepsy treatment scientifically known as Vagus Nerve Stimulator - VNS and specifically targeting children complaining of epilepsy. The workshop, also, aims at providing neurology consultants and specialists with the latest technologies in the treatment of such disease as it constitutes a major obsession and concern for the residents of GCC region.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of this device and its effective role in treatment of epilepsy in children. He further commended the endless efforts exerted by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in all fields of medicine and its established commitment to provide latest effective treatments for its patients.
Dr. Amna Al Mutawa, Specialist neurologist at HMC indicated that representatives of epileptic children's families attended the workshop and spoke about their experiences in this connection. Dr. Al Mutawa also pinpointed that all participants, whether individuals or organizations, were honored for their positive participation that lead to the great success of the workshop.
"The workshop focused on the need for community health education, where public awareness about epilepsy and the various techniques in use for its treatment and seizure control, should be increased. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a new technique used to treat epilepsy" Dr. Al Mutawa said, adding that the workshop was a fruitful scientific and medical event that provided valuable knowledge to various segments of the community, given that prevalence of epilepsy has increased by 2% among Qatar population during the past five years.
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About HMC:
Hamad Medical Corporation is the premier non-profit health care provider in Doha, Qatar. It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and manages five highly specialized hospitals, namely, Hamad General Hospital, Rumaila Hospital, Women's Hospital, Al Amal Hospital and Al Khor Hospital. Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical centers.
HMC prides itself in providing quality and cost efficient health care for all patients regardless of nationality, in line with the State of Qatar's pledge of "Health for All". For this purpose, the Corporation implements a policy of continuous improvement of all management systems and patient care protocols. HMC's ethos is based on three key pillars which are Health, Education and Research.
For more information, please visit www.hmc.org.qa.
For more information, please contact:
Marketing and Public Relations Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
Tel. No.: +974 4439 6126
Fax No.: +974 4439 5002
© Press Release 2011
