What Does it Mean to Have a Split Brain?
By Amanda Larkin
Psychophysiology
January 10, 2015
California Baptist University
In order to understand the concept of a Split Brian, we must know the functions of the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is located at the center of the brain, just beneath the cerebrum. The corpus callosum allows sensory and cognitive information to enter a passageway through the two separate hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum enables the right and left sides of the brain to communicate properly and effortlessly. Fibers within form a dichotomy which separates two sides from the cerebrum. The corpus callosum also has the ability to pivot eye movement and control motor cognition.
Hemispheric …show more content…
The process is called a corpus callosotomy, which separates the barrier of the neocortex. Vicki’s case is clear evidence that the surgery can recover a split brain. She is now able to concentrate as well as participate in athletics again. Prior to surgery Vicki had severe difficulty with simple everyday tasks. She explained that going to the grocery store would take hours because she couldn’t decide what to place in her basket. Since both sides of her brain were conflicting, it was hard for her to be decisive and make decisions quickly.Without the surgery she would have impairments that would disable her from participating in basic daily activities. According to the week one’s powerpoint presentation, “Neurosurgeons discovered that cutting the corpus callosum greatly reduced the frequency of epileptic seizures.” It is evident through the examples of patients that surgical procedures can show improvement for split brain patients.
Neuroplasticity is the unique process where the brain is able to modify pathways in order to replace damaged ones. This happens in the case of a traumatic event or injury. Even though the brain has recovering mechanisms, we learn that the corpus callosum does not have the ability to heal on its own. That is why the discovery of the corpus callostomy was remarkable in aiding a treatment for patients. Understanding the functions between the right and left hemispheres of our brain will help us identify how we learn and which side we are
By Amanda Larkin
Psychophysiology
January 10, 2015
California Baptist University
In order to understand the concept of a Split Brian, we must know the functions of the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum is located at the center of the brain, just beneath the cerebrum. The corpus callosum allows sensory and cognitive information to enter a passageway through the two separate hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum enables the right and left sides of the brain to communicate properly and effortlessly. Fibers within form a dichotomy which separates two sides from the cerebrum. The corpus callosum also has the ability to pivot eye movement and control motor cognition.
Hemispheric …show more content…
The process is called a corpus callosotomy, which separates the barrier of the neocortex. Vicki’s case is clear evidence that the surgery can recover a split brain. She is now able to concentrate as well as participate in athletics again. Prior to surgery Vicki had severe difficulty with simple everyday tasks. She explained that going to the grocery store would take hours because she couldn’t decide what to place in her basket. Since both sides of her brain were conflicting, it was hard for her to be decisive and make decisions quickly.Without the surgery she would have impairments that would disable her from participating in basic daily activities. According to the week one’s powerpoint presentation, “Neurosurgeons discovered that cutting the corpus callosum greatly reduced the frequency of epileptic seizures.” It is evident through the examples of patients that surgical procedures can show improvement for split brain patients.
Neuroplasticity is the unique process where the brain is able to modify pathways in order to replace damaged ones. This happens in the case of a traumatic event or injury. Even though the brain has recovering mechanisms, we learn that the corpus callosum does not have the ability to heal on its own. That is why the discovery of the corpus callostomy was remarkable in aiding a treatment for patients. Understanding the functions between the right and left hemispheres of our brain will help us identify how we learn and which side we are