Filipina healthcare worker Jovelyn Sison Omes (inset). SUPPLIED

A 41-year-old Filipina in Dubai has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing life-saving brain surgery to remove her massive tumour the size of a tennis ball. Jovelyn Sison Omes, a healthcare assistant at an aesthetic clinic in Dubai, had been suffering from persistent headaches, nausea, double vision, and a full-body seizure before doctors at Aster Hospital Mankhool diagnosed her with a falcine meningioma — a large, non-cancerous tumour on the right side of her brain. The condition was causing cerebral edema and a dangerous mass effect, with the tumour spreading across the centre of her brain and pressing on vital brain structures. “I had been suffering from debilitating symptoms, but today, I’m pain-free, seizure-free, and back to work,” said Omes. “As a healthcare worker, I urge everyone not to ignore warning signs. Early intervention truly saved my life, and I hope my story encourages others to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.” She was admitted to Aster Hospital on November 27, 2024. The following day, Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Prakash Nair and his team performed a complex procedure to remove the tumour, located near a brain area that controls limb movement. “Using advanced surgical tools including a state-of-the-art microscope and ultrasonic aspirator, we performed a Simpson Grade 1 resection — meaning the entire tumour and its roots were removed,” said Dr. Nair. “This significantly lowers the risk of recurrence to less than 9 percent over the next 10 years.” Despite Omes’ medical history of asthma and high cholesterol, doctors reported no complications during or after surgery. She was off ventilator support within 24 hours and discharged on December 5, 2024 — showing no signs of neurological impairment. Falcine meningiomas account for approximately 9 percent of all brain meningiomas and are more commonly diagnosed in women. In Omes’ case, the tumour’s fibroblastic subtype added to the complexity of the surgery. “This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and advanced neurosurgical care,” said Dr. Nair. “The tumour was in a challenging location, but we were able to remove it completely without damage.” ICA/Expat Media
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