E-Paper
Sign In
Wed, Nov 12, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 21, 1447 | Fajr 05:14 | DXB 
31.3°C
iPhone | iPad
Android
UAE: Boy who couldn't talk, sit up from birth due to brain disorder gets new life
Hamdan was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Dopa-Responsive Dystonia (DRD)
For the first two years of his life, little Hamdan Khaled Saleh Salmen lived in silence and stillness. Born prematurely at 34 weeks, he couldn't speak, sit upright, or even hold his head steady. A nasogastric tube fed him every day. His parents, Khaled and his wife, watched helplessly fearing the worst. But everything changed in just three weeks.
At Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi, doctors diagnosed Hamdan with a rare neurological condition called Dopa-Responsive Dystonia (DRD), a disorder that affects only about one in a million people worldwide. And with a simple intervention, something extraordinary happened — Hamdan stood up. Then he walked. Then, to his parents’ disbelief and joy, he ran.
Recommended For You
“We didn’t know what was happening to our son,” said Khaled. “We were watching him suffer, not knowing if he would ever walk, speak, or eat on his own. But thanks to God and the doctors, we saw our son stand and walk for the first time. That moment, there are no words.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Hamdan was under the care of Dr Merin Eapen, a pediatric neurology specialist who believed something deeper was at play. When the child was referred to her by Dr Sahla Kallada, he could neither walk nor talk, and his therapies, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy weren’t helping much.
“Hamdan had signs of limb dystonia, muscle stiffness and twisted postures that weren’t typical of just developmental delay,” she said. She decided to try a therapeutic dose of levodopa, a medication used to restore dopamine levels in the brain and the result was almost miraculous.
“Within days of starting the treatment, Hamdan began improving. In just three weeks, he was walking and running. It was truly remarkable,” she said.
According to doctors, Hamdan’s condition, Dopa-Responsive Dystonia, responds exceptionally well to levodopa if diagnosed early. But it’s often missed, especially when standard tests don’t show abnormalities. “That’s why it’s important not to rely solely on investigations,” said Dr Merin. “You have to look at the child, trust the signs, and act quickly.”
Hamdan’s journey isn’t over and still faces challenges with speech and muscle strength. But for the first time, his future feels bright.
A new beginning
A multidisciplinary team of doctors is now working closely with the family to ensure Hamdan continues to thrive. His care team includes Dr Shaik Irfan Basha, ENT surgeon, Dr Marelize Bosman, pediatric cardiologist, Dr Ghulam Mujtaba, pediatric pulmonologist, and Dr Krishnappa Venkatesh, pediatric gastroenterologist.
Dr Basha has already performed a successful surgery on Hamdan’s larynx to ease swallowing difficulties. In the coming months, the team will help him transition from the feeding tube to oral feeding, support his speech development, and strengthen his limbs through therapy.
Hamdan will likely need levodopa for life, but his prognosis is now hopeful. Khaled now shares his son’s story to give hope to other families facing the unknown. “There is always hope. If you see delays in your child’s development, don’t wait. Seek help. There are doctors and hospitals that can change lives.”
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
Don’t just scroll. Know it all. Sign up for your daily UAE news fix.
Get the top stories of the day right in your inbox.
