Dubai: In a rare and complex medical case, Aster Hospital Mankhool

successfully performed emergency brain surgery to restore the vision of Mr. Emad Arif Khan, a 30-
year-old Pakistani real estate consultant, currently residing in Sharjah, who arrived at the hospital
with sudden loss of vision in both eyes. In this case, the patient’s sudden blindness was caused by a
rare brain cyst (large arachnoid cyst) creating dangerously elevated intracranial pressure, which
compressed the areas of the brain responsible for vision, a true medical emergency. Until then, Mr.
Emad had been healthy, independent, and able to perform all his daily activities, including driving.
Two weeks prior to seeking medical attention, Mr. Emad had recovered from a flu. Soon after, he
began experiencing pain during eye movements, persistent frontal headaches, and gradually
worsening blurred vision. Initially evaluated at another clinic and prescribed eye drops, his vision
continued to deteriorate, making routine tasks such as reading, writing, managing household
activities, and performing work increasingly difficult. Concerned about his rapidly declining vision, he
approached the ophthalmology department at Aster Hospital Mankhool.
Dr. Parth Joshi, Specialist Ophthalmologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool immediately identified
papilledema, swelling of the optic nerves, indicating dangerously elevated intracranial pressure. An
urgent MRI revealed a large arachnoid cyst pressing on areas of the brain responsible for vision,
along with a smaller cyst near the cerebellum. While arachnoid cysts themselves are not uncommon,
occurring in approximately 1.4% of patients undergoing brain MRI, they are usually asymptomatic
and rarely require surgery. More than 90% of arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic, affecting males 2–4
times more than females, most commonly diagnosed in childhood below 10 years, and often located
in the middle part of the skull (50–60%). Arachnoid cysts causing sudden vision problems in adults
are extremely rare. 1
Recognizing the critical risk of permanent blindness, the neurosurgery team, led by Dr. Prakash Nair,
Consultant Neurosurgeon, recommended immediate surgery. Dr. Nair performed surgery on the left
side of the skull to open the cyst and relieve pressure inside the brain. The cyst was carefully
drained, and a biopsy confirmed that it was benign.
Following surgery, Mr. Emad experienced temporary speech difficulty, a known effect of pressure
changes in the brain, but he had no facial weakness, limb weakness, or seizures. Hospital care
included early physiotherapy, DVT prevention, feeding support, and wound management, including
the healing of a temporary fluid buildup under the scalp. Repeat CT and MRI scans confirmed
significant cyst reduction, full brain re-expansion, and no postoperative complications.
 

By his discharge on 25 June 2025, Mr. Emad’s vision had improved significantly, headaches resolved,
and he could independently perform all daily activities. Follow-up checks confirmed normal vision
(6/6), normal eye pressure, no papilledema, and no neurological deficits, with a recommended MRI
brain after two months. He recently traveled to his home country and reported enjoying a fully
healthy, normal life.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Emad said "“When my vision loss occurred suddenly, it was a
frightening experience that deeply worried me and my family. Even simple daily tasks became
difficult. By the grace of Allah Almighty, I have completely recovered, and my vision has been fully
restored.
I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Prakash, Dr. Parth, the dedicated nursing team, and all the staff at
Aster Hospital, Mankhool. From housekeeping to security, everyone not only cared for me but also
extended immense support and reassurance to my family during this challenging time. Their
professionalism, compassion, and constant care gave us confidence and peace of mind throughout
my treatment, and I am truly grateful for their role in helping me regain my quality of life.”
Dr. Prakash Nair, Consultant Neurosurgery, Aster Hospital Mankhool emphasized the rarity and
significance of the case and said "Arachnoid cysts are usually asymptomatic and rarely affect vision.
Only a small percentage (~3–4%) of patients require surgery, making this case exceptionally rare.
Swift diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention were critical to saving Mr. Emad’s vision."
Dr. Parth Joshi, Specialist Ophthalmology, Aster Hospital Mankhool, added "Early recognition of
papilledema and urgent ophthalmic evaluation were key in identifying the underlying cause of Mr.
Emad’s sudden vision loss. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach,
where ophthalmology and neurosurgery work closely together to ensure the best possible outcome
for the patient."
This case highlights the importance of recognising early warning signs such as sudden vision changes,
rapid diagnostic imaging, and multidisciplinary collaboration in emergency medical situations. With
advanced diagnostics, expert ophthalmology assessment, and neurosurgical care, Aster Hospital
Mankhool successfully restored full vision and quality of life for a patient at risk of permanent
blindness.