Born without any deformities, dysfunctions or diseases, 17-year-old Osborne Quartney from Ghana was perceived as any other normal boy of his age. But for over the past few years, he suffered from headaches and nausea that gradually developed into seizures. Doctors initially could not detect the cause of all the symptomatic conditions but later he was diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst, a type of brain tumor.
“I was a bit shaken after I got the reports because the doctors told me that it has been there since I was a baby. For all these years I did not even realize that something has been growing inside my brain and has now taken such a shape that it is manifesting through these symptoms. My family was scared and just like them I was clueless of what is going to happen next”, said Osborne.
The brain is covered by three meningeal layers, namely, the dura mater, the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. Separated from the two meningeal layers by the subarachnoid space, the arachnoid mater sits in between the two and through the space circulates the cerebrospinal fluid. Often known as developmental malformations, arachnoid cysts are formed when there is an abrupt tearing in the arachnoid mater. The tumor developing from the arachnoid cells and collagen is composed of cerebrospinal fluid.
In his quest to find the right healthcare facility, Osborne landed in India along with his mother, Mrs. Salifu Osborne, “We went to Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon where our appointment with Dr. Sandeep Vaishya was arranged by my case manager at Vaidam who reverted to our query in their website online”, said Mrs. Osborne.
After going through evaluation and a repeat MRI scan, Osborne was advised for a craniotomy by Dr. Sandeep Vaishya. “We were at a loss of words when we heard about the procedure. We cannot imagine in our worst dreams that our son’s skull will be cut open to cure his condition. But Dr. Vaishya made us understand that with the position and size of the tumor in the brain it can be completely and successfully removed through a craniotomy surgery. Although we heard that there were other patients, amongst some of them were also children, who have undergone this procedure, an inner jittery was constantly working within us. We bestowed all our trust and hope on Dr. Vaishya - renowned neurosurgeon in India and gave in, hoping that all will be fine”, said Mrs. Quartney.
It took about five hours to complete the surgery. Osborne coming to consciousness after the surgery became one of the most joyful moments in his mother’s life. “It was a relief. My heart was stuck in my throat throughout the time he was undergoing the surgery. The procedure came off clean. Unlike the fears I had, he could speak and recognize me post surgery and was perfectly fine. Right now, it does not even feel that he has undergone such a major surgery. Dr. Vaishya has done a wonderful job. I cannot thank him enough for all his successful endeavors. Fortis Memorial Research Institute is one of the best Neurology & Neurosurgery hospitals in India that I have witnessed. Each and every medical facility is present within its premises. The patient care team and other staffs are very attentive, organized and amiable”, said she.
She also added, “The team of Vaidam has helped me a lot. They not only found me one of the best doctors and hospitals in India but have also assisted me with my budget. It would have been really difficult for me to cope with all the medical and formal nuances in India as this is my first visit. But through regular meetings and follow-up calls, the entire process has been really easy. I did not have to do anything as my operations manager took care of it all. I also received their dedicated assistance in the arrangement of accommodation and payment of visa fees. I wish them all the luck for the good work they do”.