Research Suggests Remaining Brain May Be Able To Reorganize Itself Following Hemispherectomy

reports a study published in Cell Reports indicates that some people may be able to recover well after hemispherectomy, the removal of one of the brain’s hemispheres, because the remaining hemisphere reorganizes itself. The article says that hemispherectomy has been performed “in children who have brain malformations, intractable seizures or diseases where damage is confined to half the brain,” and many scientists have been surprised by how well many patients recover. For instance, “many of the children are able to walk, talk, read and do everyday tasks” and around 20% “of patients who have the procedure go on to find gainful employment as adults.” https://www.newsweek.com/removing-half-brain-appears-boost-brain-connectivity-1472716