‘Our wish for him is to be able to do simple things in life’: Mitcham boy becomes one of world’s first patients to undergo deep brain stimulation

A teenage boy has become one of the first patients in the world to undergo deep brain stimulation with a rechargeable device at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

The new device means that patients no longer need to have repeated operations as clinicians can access real-time data from the centre of the brain.

Sean Igbokwe, 14, from Mitcham, was the first patient to have the new rechargeable device fitted at Evelina London, in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth North, and is one of the first patients in the world. 

Sean has cerebral palsy which causes uncontrolled muscular movements or spasms. He has been under the care of Evelina London since he was seven years old. 

It is hoped deep brain stimulation will relieve some of the dystonic stiffness that causes his discomfort and limited mobility.

Deep brain stimulation involves fine electrodes being implanted deep into the brain to target areas that control coordination of body movements and postures.

Mandah Igbokwe, Sean’s mother, said: “This is a great opportunity for Sean to aim for a more fulfilled future. 

“As parents we would like him to be as independent as possible, living a full happy life and experience pain free movement. 

“His tenacity and bravery has held him in a good stead until now, as he moves into adulthood, our wish for him is to be able to do simple things in life, things most of us take for granted like holding a glass of water or playing with siblings.”

Sean’s operation took place at the specialist children’s hospital, which has the oldest and largest paediatric deep brain stimulation service in the world.

In previously implanted devices, the battery would need to be replaced after four or five years. But, the new rechargeable device has an unlimited lifespan due to new battery technology.

Dr Jean Pierre Lin, consultant paediatric neurologist for the complex motor disorders service at Evelina London, said: “It’s hugely exciting to have undertaken our first deep brain stimulation surgery with this new device, as this will prevent patients from having to undergo future surgeries to maintain their devices.

“We will be better able to understand a patient’s symptoms and can program the device in a more targeted way to control muscle movement, helping to ease symptoms quicker.”

Pictured top: Mandah Igbokwe and Sean Igbokwe (Picture: Evelina London Children’s Hospital)