First pediatric deep brain stimulation surgery in PH performed on a girl

MANILA, Philippines — A 14-year-old girl with a genetic movement disorder has become the first pediatric patient in the country to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) said Thursday.

“Natalie” was diagnosed with DYT-TOR1A dystonia, a genetic disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal movements.

The procedure posed greater challenges in a pediatric patient because of the need to implant hardware in a smaller body and precisely place the electrodes, the PCMC said.

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“Deep brain stimulation surgery in children offers challenges in terms of hardware implantation in a small patient and in the precise placement of the electrodes,” lead pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Jose Aguilar said in a statement.

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The more than eight-hour operation on Natalie last July 15 included a procedure in which she was awake for the electrode placement.

According to the PCMC, this allowed the medical team to assess her responses to the stimulation, which is essential in confirming the “appropriate target.”

“This is the first deep brain stimulation surgery done in a pediatric patient in the Philippines, and this marks the current capability and availability in the country of this complex and effective surgical treatment for Filipino children with movement disorders like dystonia,” Aguilar said.

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She was discharged three days after the surgery and continues to receive follow-up medical care, rehabilitation, and other necessary checkups.

A special DBS device that cost approximately P1.2 million and fits her size was also provided to Natalie. The battery has a service life of at least 15 years, the PCMC said.

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The PCMC said the 14-year-old patient began showing symptoms of difficulty writing and dragging her left foot at age 6. Her condition progressively worsened, which led to her becoming wheelchair-dependent and confined to a bed.

Her family said Natalie can now use both hands, move her legs, sit more upright, and bathe independently following the surgery.

They also said her muscle spasms are now less frequent, while her pain has subsided and she no longer takes pain medication.

“Sana matulungan ko si Mama sa chores, makapasyal-pasyal, at makapunta sa school nang mag-isa na lang,” Natalie said in the same statement.

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(I hope I can help Mama with the chores, go out for walks, and go to school all by myself.) /mcm