Teen Girl Becomes Youngest Known Patient to Have Awake Brain Surgery for Rare Blood Vessel Condition: ‘I’ve Got My Life Back’

**Teenager Becomes Youngest Patient to Undergo Conscious Brain Surgery for Rare Condition**

In a remarkable medical achievement, 16-year-old Matilda “Tilly” Phillips has been recognised as the world’s youngest patient to undergo conscious brain surgery to treat a rare blood vessel disorder. The operation, which lasted an impressive 12 hours, took place in December 2025 at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England, where Tilly was treated for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

An AVM is described as an abnormal web of blood vessels that can disrupt the normal flow of blood to and from the brain. Such conditions are exceptionally rare, affecting approximately one in every 100,000 individuals. For Tilly, who was just 15 at the time of her surgery, the diagnosis loomed large, akin to a “ticking time bomb” in her head.

Before undergoing the procedure, Tilly experienced frequent seizures, which progressively worsened. Reflecting on her ordeal, Tilly recalled the pervasive anxiety: “I just wanted it out. The AVM was causing me to have frequent seizures, and they were getting worse. I knew it could rupture at any point, which was really scary. I felt like my life was on hold,” she stated in a press release shared with the media.

During the surgery, which was particularly complex due to the AVM’s proximity to critical areas of the brain responsible for speech, movement, and vision, Tilly was required to remain awake for a portion of the operation. This allowed the neurosurgical team to monitor her reactions and ensure the safety of the surgical intervention. Remarkably, she was able to participate in picture-naming exercises that were essential for assessing her cognitive functions throughout the procedure.

Consultant neurosurgeon Mr. Vejay N. Vakharia noted that while awake surgeries have been performed on young patients for other neurological conditions, Tilly’s case is one of the youngest known instances of such an operation specifically for an AVM. He emphasised the need for the patient to cooperate extensively, which can often be a challenge with younger individuals.

Following her successful operation, Tilly reported difficulties with her memory, struggling to recall names of friends and even animals. However, the Alder Hey Children’s Foundation Trust quickly confirmed that the procedure had effectively treated her AVM, and that Tilly was recovering well.

The life-threatening nature of an AVM, which can lead to serious complications including stroke or brain damage if it ruptures, underscored the urgency of Tilly’s situation. The medical definition of symptoms includes not only seizures but also headaches and symptoms as diverse as dizziness, nausea, and paralysis.

Now, Tilly expresses immense gratitude for the care she received, stating, “I’ve got my life back. Before the surgery, it felt like I was always worrying about what might happen.” Thanks to her successful treatment, she is looking forward to enjoying normal teenage experiences, such as spending time with her friends and family.

Tilly’s mother, Clare Phillips, reflected on the emotional journey the family has faced. “It was an incredibly difficult period for us, but Tilly has shown such strength and resilience through everything she has had to navigate,” she shared.

With her GCSE exams now completed, Tilly is embracing life post-surgery with renewed optimism. Her story is not just a testament to modern medical advancements but also a source of hope for families facing the challenges posed by rare health conditions.

As Tilly enjoys her summer holidays, she is grateful for the support she received from the medical professionals at Alder Hey and is eager to live life to the fullest, relishing the simple joys that come with being a typical teenager.