Dr. Bari changed my life, to say the least.
I have suffered severely intractable epilepsy secondhand to autoimmune encephalitis for nearly 7 years. I have suffered three types of seizures: tonic clonic, complex partial, and focal aware onset.
My epilepsy has not responded to about a dozen AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs), and was not responsive to immunotherapy either. After discovering that I had autoimmune encephalitis, 3 forms of immunotherapy were tried on me: IVIG therapy, Plasmapheresis, and Rituximab infusions. These treatments, as well as my medications, did NOT work to control my seizure activity.
Most recently, before surgery, I had an average of 9-10 complex partial/focal aware seizures daily. I struggled doing normal daily activities, felt extremely exhausted, depressed, and hopeless.
Towards the end of 2022, my lead neurologist had let me know that we had exhausted all of our options and that I was going to be referred to neurosurgery for a consult. My epilepsy was severely drug refractory.
After meeting with Dr. Bari in November '22, my first neurosurgery was scheduled--which was the implantation of 12 intracranial depth electrodes to monitor my seizure activity and determine whether it was localized or not. If the results determined that it was localized, the goal was to resect the part(s) of my brain that were causing my seizures.
After my case was discussed and presented at a surgical conference, I received a call that my seizures were localized and that the next step was to move forward with resection.
Another consult with Dr. Bari was scheduled for my next surgery, which was an anterior right Temporal Lobectomy, as well as a Amygdalohippocampectomy. Dr. Bari was extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, and confident in the success of this surgery--which eased many of my anxieties. He answered all of my questions thoroughly, provided me with an immense amount of detail about the operation, and comforted my family and me.
The thought of neurosurgery was extremely intimidating to my family and me, however I was very hopeful and confident in Dr. Bari's ability to surgically remove the areas that needed to be removed, without resulting in any neurological deficits or complications.
I am still recovering from surgery, but I am thrilled to share that for the first time, since 2016, my post-op EEG results did NOT DETECT ANY SEIZURES!
Dr. Bari and his team are wonderful, thoughtful, comforting, and considerate. My biggest fear became the most life-changing experience in my life. I am eternally grateful. read more