Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) continues to lead in advanced neurosurgical care with its state-of-the-art Epilepsy Surgery Center. As part of this commitment, the center recently introduced a new intraoperative neuromonitoring system in its operating room, a key tool that enhances the precision of epilepsy surgeries. Dr. Karen Mabilangan, a pediatric neurologist/epileptologist and clinical director of the Epilepsy Surgery Center, emphasized the importance of this technology in improving surgical outcomes for drug-resistant epilepsy patients.
“We are fortunate to have the intraoperative EEG system, which is a big help,” Dr. Mabilangan shared. “It allows the epileptologist and surgeon to tailor the surgery to each patient, which is crucial because epilepsy surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different patients require different approaches, and this technology ensures the best possible outcome for the patient.”
The monitoring system is just one part of the comprehensive care services offered at the Epilepsy Surgery Center, which is part of one of the hospital’s Centers of Excellence, the Brain and Spine Institute. According to Dr. Mabilangan, it complements the other key components of the center, such as the epilepsy monitoring unit and neuropsychologists, with advanced neuroimaging technologies like MRI and PET Scan. Together, these tools enable the center to thoroughly assess and treat patients who may be candidates for epilepsy surgery.
“Many epilepsy patients here in the Philippines go through a long and difficult journey, often trying multiple medications without success. About one-third of epilepsy patients have drug-resistant epilepsy, meaning they don’t respond to medications. This is where the importance of having an epilepsy monitoring unit and all the necessary tools, including the intraoperative EEG, comes in,” Dr. Mabilangan explained.
She also highlighted the significance of empowering neurologists across the country, noting that any physician can refer a patient to the Epilepsy Surgery Center for comprehensive evaluation. “We need to ensure that physicians are aware of the services available at the Epilepsy Surgery Center so that more patients can benefit from the treatment options we provide.”
The Epilepsy Surgery Center at CSMC represents a critical advancement in the field, offering hope to patients who previously had limited options within the country. “We used to send patients to other countries like Singapore, Thailand, and India for surgeries that required this kind of technology, Dr. Mabilangan concluded.
With this new equipment and the expertise of specialists like Dr. Mabilangan, CSMC’s Epilepsy Surgery Center is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy, bringing world-class neurosurgical care closer to home.
For inquiries about the CSMC Epilepsy Surgery Center’s services, contact 8727-0001 ext. 5303 or visit the Specialty Center at 3/F PCAS Building.
