TULSA, Okla. – November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and aTulsa third grader is preparing for a major brain surgery that could change his life. His father, who is also a local neurosurgeon, spent time in his son’s classroom this week to help students understand what it’s like to live with seizures.
A Long Battle With Epilepsy
A group of third graders at University School spent part of their day learning how epilepsy affects their friend, 9-year-old Kayhan Kalani, and what his upcoming surgery means for his future.
Kayhan has lived with epilepsy nearly his entire life, starting with his first seizure at just six months old. After years of trying medications and undergoing previous procedures, he is now preparing for a significant brain surgery in Arizona that could finally bring him relief.
Some of Kayhan’s classmates even shaved their heads to show support.
Father and Neurosurgeon Shares Perspective
Dr. Yashar Kalani, a neurosurgeon at Ascension Medical Group St. John Neuroscience Institute and Kayhan’s father, said some children outgrow epilepsy, but his son’s seizures have worsened over time and are affecting him academically…