As a young person juggling the increasing demands of a busy life, the onset of headaches may seem unsurprising, particularly when diagnosed as tension related. However, for Azola Mnotoza, what initially appeared to be an ordinary symptom turned out to be a major warning sign.
At 26 years old, Azola was working as a registry clerk and planning to complete her degree – life was fully on track. Then one morning, everything changed when her mother went to wake her and found her confused, drenched in sweat and struggling to speak or lift her head. Azola was rushed to the emergency department at Netcare Unitas Hospital, where urgent imaging revealed a large brain tumour.
“Azola’s scan showed a giant meningioma, which is a tumour arising from the meninges, or membranes, that surround the brain,” says Dr Jaffar Azhar, a neurosurgeon practising at Netcare Unitas Hospital. “These tumours usually grow very slowly and are uncommon in someone so young. Although the tumour was benign, its size and location meant that it was high risk and surgery could not be delayed.”
| Two years after she started experiencing persistent headaches, Azola Mnotoza underwent a meticulous 10-hour operation with Dr Jaffar Azhar, a neurosurgeon practising at Netcare Unitas Hospital, to remove a high-risk brain tumour. |
| At 29 years old, Azola Mnotoza is looking forward to getting her life back on track after overcoming a giant meningioma – an uncommon type of tumour in someone so young. |
According to Dr Azhar, if left untreated, Azola’s condition would have continued to deteriorate and could have taken a sudden turn for the worse, becoming life-threatening.
Looking back, Azola notes that the headaches, which had been present for some time, were a red flag for something she would never have seen coming. “Over about two years, I had headaches on and off, but I had seen doctors and was given advice for the treatment of tension. As a young, healthy person, a brain tumour was the last thing I expected. Hearing that news was frightening.”
Dr Azhar explains that, given the size of the meningioma and its benign nature, complete surgical removal was the only option. Following her admission to Netcare Unitas Hospital, Azola was closely monitored and, within a week, underwent a precise neurosurgical procedure to remove the tumour. It was a meticulous, 10-hour operation.
“During this lengthy procedure, we used a surgical microscope to illuminate and magnify the intricate structures of Azola’s brain, and an ultrasonic aspirator to break down and safely remove the tumour while protecting the surrounding brain tissue.”
He adds that these tumours are often highly vascular and can lead to significant blood loss. “In this type of surgery, we frequently use a cell saver, a medical device that collects blood lost during surgery, then carefully filters and cleans it before transfusing it directly back to the patient to immediately replenish their own blood supply.”
Dr Azhar emphasises that successful outcomes in complex neurosurgery depend on more than surgical skill and sophisticated technology.
“While Netcare Unitas Hospital is very well equipped for advanced neurosurgical procedures, our true strength lies in the expertise of the nursing and theatre teams. A ten-hour operation requires intense focus and close collaboration. From the operating theatre to intensive care and the recovery ward, we function as one cohesive unit with each member playing a vital role in delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients,” he says.
Following her procedure, Azola spent several weeks recovering in hospital, which was followed by a rigorous rehabilitation programme. “Azola’s tumour was on the left side of the brain, so she experienced some confusion, speech difficulties and problems with walking after surgery, as can be expected. Recovery from such major surgery can take up to two years, and ongoing rehabilitation and regular follow-ups are essential,” says Dr Azhar.
While Azola’s procedure was highly successful, the road back to health has been long. “When I woke up after the operation, I couldn’t talk properly and I couldn’t walk,” she says. “Everything had to be relearned step by step, and it’s taken a lot of rehabilitation – more than a year – to get to where I am now.”
She also highlights the importance of the emotional support she received during her hospital stay. “Before the operation, I was given counselling at the hospital, which made a big difference. It helped prepare me mentally and process everything I was going through. The staff were so patient and kind, and Dr Azhar really helped me to understand the procedure and see a way forward when everything felt overwhelming.”
While the road to recovery has been long, Azola has made remarkable progress. Each day brings new advances as she rebuilds her life piece by piece, finds her rhythm again, and moves forward with renewed strength.
“I’m hoping to return to work in February, and I’m really looking forward to getting my life back on track,” she says. “I also want to continue my studies. I was studying towards a BA in Government, Administration and Development, and I would love to go back to university to complete my degree. Graduating is very important to me, and I have about two years to go.”
In her personal life, Azola’s hobbies provide her with a sense of continuity. “I’ve always loved sport, especially netball and hockey. I’m a big reader too. My speech is still improving, but every step forward feels like a victory. From Dr Azhar and the team at Netcare Unitas Hospital to my rehabilitation therapists, so many people have supported me on this journey, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
Dr Azhar says cases like Azola’s highlight both the complexity of neurosurgical care and the resilience of patients. “Yes, these procedures are incredibly complex, but what truly moves me is the extraordinary courage and resilience of patients like Azola. Every day, people like her inspire us to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“Seeing Azola make a strong recovery after a major operation like this is extremely rewarding. At the same time, her case serves as an important reminder that, even among the young and healthy, persistent neurological symptoms can point to something serious. Early diagnosis and access to specialised care can make a life-changing difference,” he concludes.
Ends.
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