Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH— A young Iraqi Umrah pilgrim, who suffered from seizure disorder and partial paralysis, was saved from hemiplegia and recovered fully, thanks to the urgent intervention of a specialist medical team in Makkah. The 20-year-old Ali Satwan, who had undergone surgical removal of the brain tumor, was now able to walk normally.

The successful surgery was carried out by a specialized medical team at the Neurosurgery Center of the King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah.

Satwan was first rushed to the Ajyad Hospital, close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, when he started experiencing symptoms of seizure with partial paralysis on the left side of the body with inability to walk or move his left hand. The pilgrim was then immediately transferred to the Medical City where he received the best medical care. The specialized team succeeded in removing the brain tumor.

The medical team said that upon arrival at the hospital, the pilgrim underwent all the necessary CT and MRI scans. This showed the presence of a migrating and bleeding brain tumor which necessitated immediate surgical intervention.

The medical team noted that the presence of tumor in an area adjacent to the functional movement area of the brain increased the risks of surgical intervention as there were more chances of total paralysis, but the rescue was made possible with the stimulation technique for the cerebral cortex, which they used to identify those functional areas and then avoid them during the surgery.

The operation was successful and without complications, and the patient’s condition gradually improved until he was able to walk normally, they said.

On their part, Satwan and his family expressed their deep thanks and gratitude to the Saudi government and the health authorities in Makkah for their utmost care and keenness on the health and well-being of the Guests of God.