High-profile neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has settled a civil case with the family of Ebony Thurston, who tragically died after undergoing surgery for brain cancer. The case was heard in the NSW Supreme Court, where the details of the alleged medical negligence were revealed.
Aran Thurston, Ebony’s widower, along with his three children, pursued damages for the mental anguish and emotional distress stemming from the advice provided by Dr. Teo and the outcome of the surgery. The court proceedings were conducted on March 11, 2025.
Ebony Thurston was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in September 2018. Upon being informed by several neurosurgeons of her grim prognosis, which indicated she likely had only 12 to 18 months to live, the family sought the expertise of Dr. Teo, who had garnered both acclaim and controversy within the medical community.
During the consultation, Dr. Teo allegedly informed Ebony and her family about the possibility of surgery, which he claimed might allow her to witness her six-year-old son reach adulthood. This perspective provided the family with hope, but according to legal claims, the risks associated with the operation were understated significantly.
Justice David Davies mentioned during the hearing: "The risks were alleged to have been understated, and the deceased died within about six months of the operation, never properly recovering from it.” Following the surgery performed on October 24, 2018, where 95 percent of the tumor was removed, Ebony's health rapidly deteriorated until her passing six months later, on April 2019.
Reported findings from the Health Care Complaints Commission indicated Teo’s surgical decision was deemed unethical. The Professional Standards Committee criticized the lack of substantial medical evidence supporting the procedure and noted Teo's failure to adequately discuss the associated risks during the consultation.
Aran Thurston and his family initiated court actions against Dr. Teo, seeking over $200,000 each for economic and non-economic damages due to the distress caused by the operation and the subsequent loss of their mother. The claims for damages highlighted the deep emotional and psychological impact of losing their wife and mother and suffering from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the events.
Prior to this settlement, Dr. Teo faced scrutiny for alleged unsatisfactory medical conduct. He had been found guilty of such conduct by the Health Care Complaints Commission, which resulted in additional restrictions on his medical practice. Teo had to obtain written support from another specialist before performing certain medical procedures, underscoring the seriousness of past allegations against him.
The family managed to reach settlements without prolonged litigation, which included earlier agreements involving the husband and eldest child, now an adult. The court needed to approve the settlements for the younger children, all of whom are still minors. Justice Davies noted the importance of resolving the case efficiently, allowing the young plaintiffs to begin to heal.
Dr. Teo, who has faced significant backlash and legal challenges, continues to operate internationally, engaging with patients from various countries eager to undergo his controversial treatments.
This case sheds light on the emotional toll and the mental health ramifications of medical decisions, especially when faced with terminal diagnoses. The outcome of the settlement remains confidential, but it marks the end of this heartbreaking chapter for the Thurston family.