Details of Split-brain surgery

It is an operation which cuts the corpus callosum, breaking the spread of seizures from hemisphere to hemisphere. The corpus callosum is a band of nerve fibers found deep in the brain that connects the two halves (hemispheres) of the brain.

May include:

• Severe epilepsy
• Frequent seizures
• High risk injury

May be recommended:

• Blood tests
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)

During the procedure, a cut in the scalp is made to remove a piece of bone and to pull back a section of the dura. It creates a kind of window through which special instruments are inserted to disconnect the corpus callosum. The surgeon gently separates the hemispheres to access the corpus callosum. After the corpus callosum is cut, the dura and bone are fixed back into place, and the scalp is sutured smoothly.

May include:

• Stroke
• Infection
• Swelling in the brain
• Lack awareness
• Loss of coordination
• Difficult speaking