Methaq Hasson, a house wife in Babilon , Iraq has a huge responsibility on her head – a mother of 5 children can’t stop worrying about her teenage sons and daughters back home.
“I can’t stop thinking about my children. Little did I know that I would miss them so much! My husband told me that coming for treatment to India would not only be a break for me but would also ensure that when I go back to them I shall be hale and hearty.”
Methaq five years back started to experience pain in the left side of the head. “It used to be unbearable. I thought that it is due to the household work and the perils of being a mother. I took medicines for headaches, but they were of no use. Over the years the episodes became more severe and I could feel an abnormal movement in the left side of the face. It was as if I was losing control my facial expressions. What could be worse, if you can’t laugh, smile or show any emotion?”
Realizing that it is more than just a headache, Methaq consulted a doctor in Iraq, who recommended a CT Scan of the head. The scan revealed a local tumor in the left side of the brain- the cebral cortex – in the region known as the Insula. The local doctors suggested surgery and gave grave prognosis, making Methaq apprehensive about her treatment. “Going through a surgery is very dangerous. The doctors shared the risks of the treatment and highlighted that there could be a danger to my life. I have the responsibility of my family, hence I requested by husband to take me to the best hospital for treatment.”
They went to various hospitals in India and in Iraq. Due to the typical location of the tumor in the Insula region, all doctors of prestigious institutions shared three risk factors of surgery –weakness in the right side of the body post surgery, loss of speech and even death. They also shared that since surgery was difficult and included the risk to life, nothing much could be done.
While talking to family and friends, someone suggested the name of Dr. VS Mehta at Paras Gurgaon. According to Methaq’s husband, “Her episodes of headache were becoming more severe and so was her loss of expression on the left side of the face. The last straw was her episodes of loss of consciousness for 1-2 minutes. We were all scared and decided to contact Paras.”
As soon as Methaq and her husband met Dr. VS Mehta, their fears were put to rest. “ Dr. Mehta is exceptionally gifted . He could understand my fears, worries and apprehensions associated with surgery and recovery. He not just reassured me, but explained me my situation and future course of action. Just after the first consultation, I had made up my mind- If there was anyone who could understand my pain and relive me of the same – it was Dr. Mehta.”
According to Dr (Prof) VS Mehta, Padma Shri, “ Methaq is a typical case of brain tumor occurring on the left side of the brain-Insula region. The insulae is believed to be involved in consciousness and play a role in diverse functions usually linked to emotion or the regulation of the body’s homeostasis. These functions include perception, motor control, self-awareness, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal experience. The surgery was hence tricky and required surgical excellence. We at Paras specialize in deep seated tumors and decided to take the same up. The removal of the tumor resulted in relieving pain, intracranial pressure and improved her quality of life. Post rehabilitation and observation of about 4 days, Methaq would be free to go home.”
When asked what would be the first thing that she would do when she reaches back home, Methaq smiles and says, “ I thank Allah for giving me another life. I will hug my kids till they scream! It’s as if their love ensured that I come back home to them cured.”
