Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
If you are getting headaches at frequent intervals, you could well think it is a migraine or vertigo. But it could also be a warning sign of a far more serious problem in the brain — something that should not be ignored.
For Eliza Cabuslay Beltran Robles, a 48-year-old Filipino resident in the UAE, what began as persistent headaches turned out to be a life-threatening condition. For nearly five months, she suffered recurring headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Initial consultations suggested migraine or vertigo, a common assumption for such symptoms. But when the pain refused to subside, further medical evaluation revealed a far more serious cause.
An MRI scan confirmed the presence of a parafalcine supratentorial meningioma — a deep-seated brain tumour measuring about 3cm and exerting pressure on surrounding brain tissue, leading to severe headaches. Doctors warned that the tumour’s location and involvement of critical brain structures posed significant neurological risks, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.
The complexity of the case lay in the tumour’s position. It involved the superior sagittal sinus, one of the brain’s main venous drainage channels, increasing the risk of complications such as bleeding, stroke or brain swelling during surgery.
The seven-hour life-saving procedure was carried out at Aster Hospital Al Qusais by Dr Chelladurai Pandian Hariharan, Specialist Neurosurgeon, along with Dr Manish Srinivasa Murthy, HOD & Specialist in Anesthesiology and Medical Director.
The team used advanced neurosurgical techniques, including intraoperative monitoring, microscope-assisted surgery and ultrasound guidance, to carefully remove the tumour while protecting vital brain areas.
“This case was particularly complex because the tumor was located deep within the brain and involved the superior sagittal sinus, one of the major veins responsible for draining blood from the brain. Any surgical manipulation in this area carries risks such as significant bleeding, stroke, or brain swelling,” said Dr Chelladurai Pandian Hariharan.
“With advanced neurosurgical techniques and continuous intraoperative monitoring, we were able to carefully remove the tumor while protecting critical brain structures. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are crucial to preventing serious neurological complications.”
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Chelladurai Pandian Hariharan said the tumour was only partially removed due to its critical location.
“The tumour was removed only partially because the lesion site is very important. If we try to remove it completely, it may endanger the life of the patient. The remaining part of the tumour can be managed with radiation therapy,” he said.
Referring to headaches, the doctor added: “Any headache with visual symptoms that persists for a long duration and does not respond to medication requires further investigation.”
Dr Manish Srinivasa Murthy emphasised the importance of coordinated care. “Managing tumours located near major venous structures requires meticulous planning and a multidisciplinary approach. The use of modern surgical technologies such as neuromonitoring and microscope-assisted precision allowed us to perform the surgery safely while minimising risks. This case demonstrates how coordinated care, from diagnosis through surgery and post-operative recovery, can significantly improve outcomes for patients with complex neurological conditions,” he said.
Following surgery, Eliza was monitored in the intensive care unit for three days before being shifted to the ward. She was discharged in stable condition with no neurological deficits. Subsequent radiation therapy completed in July 2025 led to complete resolution of the tumour.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Eliza said: “For months, I believed my headaches were just migraines, but Dr Chelladurai was the first to identify the real problem. I am deeply grateful to him, Dr Manish, and the entire medical team at Aster Hospital Al Qusais for saving my life.”
Although meningiomas are among the most common primary brain tumours, this specific type accounts for only about 5–11% of cases and is particularly challenging due to its deep location.
Eliza has now fully recovered and resumed her professional and family life in the UAE with her husband and two children.
