The split brain
procedure is very interesting when it comes to how people undergo an incision that
cuts their brain in half. This is also known as Corpus Calloscotomy. The reason
so is because the split brain procedure consists of severing the corpus
callosum in our brain. In doing so, we
split the right and left hemisphere from connecting. This procedure is done for
patients that suffer epileptic seizures within their life.
You’re probably
wondering what? Is this even possible? Indeed so. People that suffer from major
epileptic seizures throughout their lives, see this procedure as a leeway to
get away from the sufferings. Having this procedure done, not only separates
the two hemispheres, it makes them control their own behaviors for our body. Initially,
the right side of the hemisphere of the brain controls the left side of our
body, artistic ways, makes our rational decisions, and reveals the hidden desires of a person. In compared to the left hemisphere, this controls
the right side of the body, our logic and reflects the person’s rational goals when
giving orders. In some rare consequence cases, some patients end up in having a
split personality.
Wow, imagine having
these two different split personalities in your mind?
Personally, when I took
one of my psychology courses I learned about this procedure. It was very
fascinating because my professor had mentioned a past scenario that happened to
patients when this procedure started to go public back then. One incident that
he had read about was one of the first patients that underwent this procedure
ended up insane. His personality changed, his actions were different, and he couldn’t
control what was happening to his body and mind.
Here is a video that demonstrates
information about this type of procedure and a story of this lady.
Overall, we really underestimate our mind of what it is capable of . We really need our both hemispheres combined in able for them to communicate with each other to control our body. Even though this procedure is good for stopping epileptic seizures for patients, should there be an other way for patients to undergo a different procedure or way without effecting their lives?
I would've never believed that in order to potentially save someones life, you had to first alter the rest of it. It saddens me to think that they will not be able to function fully and to their fullest potential because they had to have their corpus callosum severed in order to allow them to live more 'normal' lives. I wonder, is there the possibility to reestablish connection between the two hemispheres again? Or once severed, for ever separated?
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