MUSCAT : The hospital’s Neurosurgery Department has begun implanting VNS devices for selected patients whose epilepsy does not respond adequately to conventional anti-seizure medications.

The introduction of the technology forms part of Khoula Hospital’s wider programme to develop specialised surgical treatment for epilepsy and expand access to advanced care within Oman, potentially reducing the need for some patients to seek treatment abroad.

Dr Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Azri, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Khoula Hospital, said the VNS technique adds another treatment option for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy following assessment by a specialised medical team.

He said the programme involves cooperation between the hospital’s neurosurgery, neurology and epilepsy teams, with the multidisciplinary approach supporting the assessment and treatment of suitable patients.

Al Azri said expanding specialised epilepsy services would help reduce referrals outside Oman for some cases while providing patients with advanced treatment options within the national healthcare system.

He added that the next phase of the programme is expected to include additional specialised epilepsy surgeries, alongside stronger cooperation with specialised regional and international centres to exchange expertise and benefit from advances in treatment and technology.

VNS is used for selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and is intended to help reduce the frequency of seizures and improve quality of life. Suitability for the treatment is determined through a specialised medical assessment of each patient.

The expansion is part of Khoula Hospital’s efforts to localise specialised epilepsy surgery services, strengthen the capabilities of national medical professionals and develop integrated care involving neurosurgery, neurology and epilepsy specialists.

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