Sidra Medicine Offers Unique Medical Services To Treat Neurological Disorders In Children

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Sidra Medicine is the only specialised centre in Qatar that receives and treats the full spectrum of neurological disorders in children, including rare and highly complex cases that require precise, multi-disciplinary care, noted, Dr Husam Kayyali, Chief of Pediatric Neurology Division at Sidra Medicine and Director of our Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme at Sidra Medicine.

Dr Kayyali pointed out that Sidra Medicine delivers a fully integrated system of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. Backed by cutting-edge global medical technologies and highly experienced specialists, the hospital provides personalised, patient-centred care tailored to each child's condition. This approach ensures comprehensive treatment and significantly enhances the quality of life for young patients and their families.

He noted that epilepsy remains the most prevalent neurological condition among children worldwide and is also the leading diagnosis seen at Sidra Medicine.

Dr Kayyali noted that genetic mutations are among the primary causes of neurological disorders in children, particularly in the region, alongside other contributing factors such as brain infections, oxygen deprivation, head injuries, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

He explained that the Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme offers comprehensive evaluations for children experiencing seizures, using the latest medical technologies under the supervision of leading pediatric neurologists. Advanced treatment options include epilepsy surgery, neuromodulation therapies such as vagus Nerve Stimulation, and dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet.

Beyond epilepsy, the Pediatric Neurology Department provides expert care for a wide range of conditions, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, movement disorders, neuroimmunological diseases, genetic neurological disorders, cerebral palsy, and white matter diseases. All services are delivered through a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach designed to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.

Sidra Medicine also operates a comprehensive network of specialised clinics, including advanced epilepsy clinics, neuromuscular clinics, movement disorder clinics, white matter disease clinics, neurocutaneous clinics, chronic headache clinics, brachial plexus clinics, and general pediatric neurology clinics, ensuring full coverage of diverse neurological conditions.

He noted that one-third of epilepsy patients do not respond to medication and are classified as having drug-resistant epilepsy. For these cases, Sidra Medicine offers advanced interventions, including surgical removal of seizure-causing brain tissue, implantation of vagus nerve stimulators, and therapeutic diets such as the ketogenic or modified Atkins diet. These approaches have demonstrated a reduction in seizure frequency by 50% to 80%, offering renewed hope for affected families.

Dr Kayyali indicated that diagnosis at Sidra Medicine is grounded in comprehensive clinical evaluation supported by state-of-the-art tools. These include video electroencephalogram monitoring to accurately identify seizure origins, high-resolution 3 Tesla MRI scans, PET and SPECT imaging, and advanced genetic testing such as epilepsy genepanels and full exome and genome sequencing.

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme adopts a patient-first philosophy, guiding children and their families through every stage, from initial consultation and diagnosis to the development of individualized treatment plans. Multidisciplinary teams collaborate closely to ensure seamless, high-quality care aligned with the latest international medical standards.

In addition to medical treatment, Sidra Medicine provides personalised rehabilitation programs based on precision medicine principles, helping children achieve the best possible outcomes. Psychological support is also a cornerstone of care, with specialised teams in child psychology and psychiatry assisting families in coping with the challenges of neurological conditions.

Eventually, Dr Kayyali stressed that Sidra Medicine aims to expand its paediatric neurology services to reach a broader patient population both within Qatar and internationally. Building on recent achievements, the institution is working toward strengthening its position as a regional leader and a globally recognised center of excellence in pediatric healthcare.

Sidra Medicine neurological disorders

MENAFN13042026000067011011ID1110978207