News DeskDubai, UAE – A 41-year-old Filipino healthcare assistant in Dubai has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing a complex life-saving brain surgery at Aster Hospital, Mankhool — recently ranked No. 4 on Newsweek’s 2025 list of the World’s Best Hospitals in the UAE.
Jovelyn Sison Omes, who works at an aesthetic clinic in Dubai, was admitted to Aster Hospital on November 27, 2024, after experiencing persistent headaches, nausea, double vision, and a full-body seizure. Medical scans revealed a large, non-cancerous brain tumor known as a falcine meningioma — located dangerously near critical brain areas responsible for movement, and causing severe swelling known as cerebral edema.
“The tumor was the size of a tennis ball and had extended across the midline of her brain,” explained Dr. Prakash Nair, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Aster Hospital, who led the surgical team. “Its location made the operation particularly challenging.”
Despite a history of asthma and high cholesterol, Omes was not on any regular medications. Her symptoms included an excruciating headache rated 8 out of 10, a seizure accompanied by a tongue bite, temporary confusion, and double vision. Fortunately, she reported no limb weakness or head trauma.
On November 28, Dr. Nair and his team performed a highly delicate surgery using advanced neurosurgical techniques. Through four minimally invasive skull openings, the team used a surgical microscope and ultrasonic aspirator (CUSA) to perform a Simpson Grade 1 resection — the gold standard for tumor removal, involving complete excision of the tumor and its roots, drastically reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
The operation was completed without the need for a blood transfusion, and Omes was successfully weaned off ventilator support within 24 hours. By the following day, she was able to move independently, eat normally, and begin physiotherapy. She was discharged on December 5, 2024, with a full recovery and no neurological deficits.
“This case highlights the power of early diagnosis and precision neurosurgery,” said Dr. Nair. “In cases like this, where a Simpson Grade 1 resection is achieved, the recurrence rate after ten years is less than 9%, offering excellent long-term prospects.”
Falcine meningiomas account for about 9% of all brain tumors and are two to three times more common in women, particularly with increasing age. Omes’ tumor belonged to the fibroblastic subtype, adding to the complexity of the case.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Omes said: “I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. Nair and the entire team for saving my life. I had been suffering from debilitating symptoms, but today, I’m pain-free, seizure-free, and back to work. I urge everyone not to ignore warning signs — early intervention truly saved my life.”
With follow-up scans confirming complete tumor removal and no neurological complications, Omes’ story stands as a shining example of medical excellence, timely intervention, and compassionate care at Aster Hospital, Mankhool.
