“Your invaluable donations make neurosurgical laser procedures a possibility for treatment-resistant epilepsy patients.”
— Mathieu Bergevin, treated at the CHUM for treatment-resistant epilepsy
Epilepsy that left few options
Epilepsy is one of the most widespread neurological diseases, affecting nearly one percent of the global population. Although two thirds of patients respond to medication or are eligible for resective surgery to remove the source of their symptoms, a significant number of people continue to suffer from disabling and unpredictable seizures.
This was Mathieu’s difficult reality. He was living with drug-resistant epilepsy, a form of the disease that does not respond sufficiently to medication.
Every day, Mathieu would suffer up to five epileptic seizures. Simply working, driving or even spending time alone with his two-year old had become impossible. The source of Mathieu’s seizures was located deep within his brain. Because it could not be reached through traditional surgery, he was not a candidate for the resection procedure normally used to remove the source of an epileptic seizure. His treatment options were therefore extremely limited—or even nonexistent. For Mathieu, this meant living with uncertainty, restrictions and the constant fear of having another seizure.
But a glimmer of hope appeared when the CHUM acquired, thanks to the generosity of CHUM Foundation donors, a revolutionary piece of equipment that had the potential to give Mathieu his quality of life back.
A first in Quebec, made possible through philanthropy
In 2023, Mathieu made history by becoming the first epileptic patient to be operated on by the NeuroBlate®, a cutting-edge neurosurgical laser. This incredible technology is equipped with a unique ability to minimize neurological damage and can help specialists reach areas of the brain that traditional surgery simply can’t get to. The CHUM is the first hospital for adults in Quebec to perform resective epilepsy surgery using this technology, which was entirely purchased with your generous donations.
“My surgeon, Dr. Bouthiller, managed to eliminate the source of my epileptic seizures. I left the hospital the day of my operation, and I haven’t had another seizure since.”
A life transformed by freedom from seizures
Since his surgery, Mathieu’s life has taken a completely different turn. He has been able to return to activities and responsibilities that had once become impossible. His everyday life, once shaped by seizures and the limitations they imposed, is now opening up to new possibilities.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have had access to this procedure. Especially because my family was about to grow: my wife and I were expecting our second child. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to hold my newborn in my arms, and that fills my heart with joy!”
For the thousands of patients who, like Mathieu, entrust their care to the CHUM, let’s give the CHUM teams the resources they need to continue making discoveries and act faster than disease.