Dr. Saqib Kamran Bakhshi - Neurosurgeon

02/11/2025

26/10/2025

02/08/2025

From a newborn’s first cry to a teenager’s growing brain — pediatric neurosurgeons play a vital role in safeguarding neurological health during the most crucial years of development.

👶🏼➡️🧑🏻‍⚕️ We diagnose and treat conditions involving the:

Brain (tumors, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, trauma)
Spine (spina bifida, tethered cord, scoliosis)
Nerves (brachial plexus injuries, nerve tumors)

🔍 These may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later due to infections, injuries, or tumors.

👨‍⚕️ For Doctors:
Early recognition and referral matter. If your pediatric patient has persistent neurological symptoms, head abnormalities, developmental delays, or seizures — a timely neurosurgical evaluation can change outcomes.

👪 For Parents:
If you’re unsure whether your child’s symptoms need a neurosurgeon — don’t hesitate to ask. Early intervention often means better long-term results.

📍 Specialized care, tailored for the growing brain. Call 021-111-911-911 to book an appointment for consultation.

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18/07/2025

💊 Still having seizures despite medications?
Your child might have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).

🔁 What is DRE?

If seizures continue despite 2 or more anti-seizure medications, it’s called drug-resistant epilepsy.
In such cases, continued medication may not be enough.

A detailed evaluation by an epilepsy team (neurologist + neurosurgeon) is crucial. Surgical treatment can sometimes offer a cure or significant improvement in seizure control.

🚨 When to consider epilepsy surgery?

- Seizures interfere with daily life, school, or development
- Imaging reveals a clear seizure focus (not necessary for surgery)
- Multiple medicines have failed (at-least 2 medicines at their maximum doses).

👨‍⚕️ Surgery can be life-changing — not a last resort.

Talk to your pediatric neurologist and neurosurgeon about surgical options early, not late.

For discussion, book an appointment by calling 021-111-911-911.

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̇nstagood

17/07/2025

By Abul Wara Karachi: An increasing number of children in Pakistan are being born with Spina Bifida—a severe, lifelong birth defect that can cause paralysis—due to widespread unplanned pregnancies and lack of awareness about a simple, affordable preventive measure: folic acid supplementation bef...

16/07/2025

🧠 If your child has repeated or unprovoked seizures, they can be treated and may even achieve seizure freedom.

🔍 Key points for parents:

- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

- Seizures can vary — from staring spells to full-body convulsions (muscle contractions).

- Many children respond well to medications, but diagnosis and treatment should always begin with a pediatric neurologist.

- A brain scan (MRI) helps identify underlying structural issues and an electroencephalogram (EEG) helps localise the region generating seizures.

In epilepsy cases not responding to medicines (drug resistant epilepsy), a pediatric neurosurgeon is consulted for surgical treatment.

👨‍⚕️ Takeaway:

Early evaluation by the right specialists can improve your child’s quality of life.
Timely treatment = better outcomes.

At Aga Khan University Hospital, we provide comprehensive treatment options for all types of epilepsy in children as well as adults. For consultations, book an appointment by calling 021-111-911-911.

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13/07/2025

🧠 Pediatric Brain Tumors: Early detection can make a difference!

🔍 Common Symptoms & Warning Signs:

- Persistent or worsening headaches, especially in the morning
- Vomiting, often without nausea or after waking up
- Vision problems – blurred vision, double vision, or abnormal eye movements
- Balance and coordination issues – frequent falls or clumsiness
- Seizures, especially new-onset in a previously healthy child
- Personality or behavior changes – irritability, lethargy, or regression
- Delayed milestones or school performance decline
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Abnormal head growth in infants or tense fontanelles

📘 Common Types of Pediatric Brain Tumors:

- Medulloblastoma – the most common malignant tumor in children
- Pilocytic Astrocytoma – typically benign, often in the cerebellum
- Ependymoma – arises from the ventricular lining
- Brainstem Glioma – affects vital functions, can be aggressive
- Craniopharyngioma – near the pituitary, may cause hormonal or vision issues

👨‍⚕️ When to Consult a Pediatric Neurosurgeon:

- If your child has persistent neurological symptoms or developmental regression
- When imaging (MRI/CT) shows a mass or abnormality in the brain
- For second opinions regarding tumor management or surgery
- If referred by your pediatrician or neurologist for specialized care

🎗️ Brain tumors in children are rare but serious. Timely evaluation by a neurosurgeon can be lifesaving.

AKU Department of Surgery, Pakistan Aga Khan University AKU Medical College, Pakistan Pakistan Academy of Neurological Surgery National Brain Tumor Society Brain Tumour Research Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Aga Khan University Hospital Pakistan - AKUH

I am a consultant neurosurgeon managing all brain and spine diseases requiring surgical treatment. I have a special interest in pediatric neurosurgery, brain tumors and epilepsy surgery.

07/07/2025

Chiari Malformation in Children

A condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal — often present at birth but may go unnoticed until symptoms develop.

🔍 Watch for these signs and symptoms:

• Persistent headaches (especially at the back of the head)
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Balance problems or frequent falls
• Difficulty swallowing or choking
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Weakness in arms or legs
• Developmental delays or poor coordination
• Unexplained scoliosis
• Breathing or sleep disturbances

Early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

If your child shows these signs, book a consultation by calling 021-111-911-911.

24/06/2025

🧠 Myelomeningocele Repair: What Parents Should Know 👶

Spina bifida, particularly myelomeningocele, is a serious birth defect where the spinal cord and nerves develop outside the body. But there is hope—with timely surgical repair, we can significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability and improve a child’s quality of life.

👨‍⚕️ What to Expect:

➡️ Before Surgery: Your child will undergo imaging and evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons and neonatologists.

➡️ During Surgery: The exposed spinal cord is carefully protected and the opening in the back is closed to prevent infection and nerve damage.

➡️ After Surgery: Post-op care is critical—monitoring for hydrocephalus, managing bladder/bowel function, and beginning early physiotherapy.

💡 Early intervention matters. The first few days of life are crucial in preventing infection and further nerve damage.

🫶 Support, education, and follow-up care are key to giving your child the best possible future.

Follow for more awareness on pediatric neurosurgery and share to help spread the message!

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21/06/2025

Delivered a guest lecture on surgical management of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis and was a panelist for discussion, at the mini-symposium on Tuberculosis in Critical Care. It was organised at the Indus Hospital, Karachi.

AKU Department of Surgery, Pakistan
Aga Khan University AKU Medical College, Pakistan Pakistan Academy of Neurological Surgery Indus Hospital & Health Network

21/06/2025

For consultation, call 021-111-911-911 and book an appointment.

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I am a consultant neurosurgeon managing all brain and spine diseases requiring surgical treatment. I have a special interest in pediatric neurosurgery, brain tumors and epilepsy surgery.

21/06/2025

Hydrocephalus is a treatable condition irrespective of the cause. Delay in diagnosis can be dangerous and potentially life threatening.
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