• Question: Could you have an operation to remove half of your brain and still be alive?

    Asked by Alanna Senior and Saema K to Adrian, Iroise, Joe, Rachel, Ria on 10 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Joe Bathelt

      Joe Bathelt answered on 10 Nov 2016:

      That depends on what parts of the brain are removed. There are essential parts of the brain that are necessary for survival. These are mostly located at the base of the brain – the so-called brainstem. So, it would not be possible to survive without these parts.
      If parts of the wrinkly bit on the outside of the brain were removed, it would be possible to survive. This is sometimes done as a last resort treatment for very severe seizure disorders.

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