Uzbek Patient Beats Paralysis Risk After Complex Brain Tumour Surgery In India

47-year-old Botirjon Usmonov had arrived into India from Uzbekistan, seeking a cure for his complex brain tumour problem that needed expert life-saving treatment. But the rider was that the brain tumour nestled dangerously close to the motor cortex, the part of the brain that controls movement. Botirjon was clear. He needed a cure, but not the life of a vegetable, strapped to a bed or wheelchair.

He had already been shocked with the diagnosis that what began as occasional numbness and weakness in his right hand had turned into a life-altering diagnosis—with nor very encouraging outcomes heard of in similar cases.

Botirjon had initially ignored symptoms that seemed minor—occasional imbalance, headaches, and mild hand numbness. It was only after symptoms progressed and scans revealed a suspicious lesion that he sought specialized help.

Amrita Hospital’s Brain & Spine Institute has emerged as one of India’s few centres offering awake neurosurgical procedures with integrated rehab pathways for high-risk cases. 

At Amrita Hospital, his scans revealed a growing glioma in the left frontal region, perilously close to areas that control right-side movement. Despite the complexity, the neurosurgery team led by Dr. Anandh Balasubramaniam, Head of Neurosurgery, recommended an awake craniotomy—a highly sophisticated procedure that allows surgeons to monitor motor function in real time, minimizing damage to critical areas.

What Is Awake Craniotomy?

As per Mayo Clinic, Awake craniotomy is a surgical procedure performed on the brain while the patient is awake and alert. This allows surgeons to precisely map and preserve critical brain functions during tumour removal or other neurosurgical procedures. It's commonly used for brain tumours located near eloquent brain regions (those controlling speech, movement, etc.). 

“Operating near the motor cortex is like defusing a bomb. One wrong move and the patient could lose speech or mobility. With real-time brain mapping, advanced imaging like DTI, and intraoperative neuro-monitoring, we could localize the tumour and avoid irreversible damage,” said Dr. Balasubramaniam.

The surgery was performed on September 16, 2024, using navigation guidance, functional MRI, and intraoperative neuro-monitoring (IONM). As the team meticulously resected the tumor, they paused the surgery the moment weakness appeared in the right limbs—an indication they had reached the brain’s motor zones. This timely decision prevented permanent paralysis.

While Botirjon experienced immediate post-surgical weakness in his right leg and shoulder, his recovery journey is a testament to the role of comprehensive neurorehabilitation. Within months, he regained hand function, could walk unaided, and continued to show motor recovery with sustained physiotherapy.

“Today, Mr. Usmonov is mobile and independent. There is no evidence of residual or recurrent tumour in his follow-up scans. His story reinforces that timely intervention, advanced surgical technique, and focused rehabilitation can restore not just neurological function but also a patient’s confidence and dignity,” said Dr. Satyakam Baruah, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad part of the team of surgeons involved in his care from the day he landed in India.

The case also underscores the growing need for public awareness around early neurological symptoms. 

As India marks World Brain Tumour Day, Botirjon’s recovery stands as a powerful reminder: with the right technology, team, and timing, even tumours near the brain’s most delicate areas don’t have to mean the end of movement—or hope.

Kirti Pandey is a senior independent journalist.