Old dead tissues cause of seizures

Egyptian national Eman Ahmed (36), who was once the world’s heaviest woman at 500 kg, underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan at Saifee Hospital on Tuesday.

The CT scan was done to find out what leads to her periodic seizures. Ms Eman’s CT scan showed an old problem in her brain, a small-localised area of dead tissue resulting from failure of blood supply. A doctor treating her said this is responsible for paralysis on the right side of her body and possibly responsible for the convulsions. Ms Eman, who was weighing around 500 kg when she landed in Mumbai on February 11, now allegedly weighs 173 kg.

Neurologist Dr Arun Shah, a visiting faculty member at Saifee Hospital, where Eman is admitted, said, “The CT scan revealed that, she has an old infarct — a small localised area of dead tissue resulting from failure of blood supply in the brain, because of this conditions she is getting seizures and responsible for paralysis on right side of her body.” “With regular physiotherapy and other treatment she will recover. We have been giving medicines and treatment which is acting positive on her,” Dr Shah said. He also said, “My role is very little and I will continue with my treatment on her.”

The Egyptian national is likely to be discharged within a fortnight. However, Ms Eman’s treatment took an ugly turn on Monday, with a war of words breaking out between Ms Eman’s sister Shaimaa Selim and the doctors treating Ms Eman.

Over a dozen doctors who are treating Ms Eman have allegedly resigned from the team, according to Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, section chief, bariatric surgery, Saifee Hospital. Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, who has been treating Eman, tweeted, “Shaimaa Selim u killed humanity with 1 swell blow may only God help u when u realise what u have done I will continue 2 treat & pray 4 Eman” (sic).”