hemispherectomy

Full Definition

A major neurosurgical procedure involving removal (anatomical hemispherectomy) or functional disconnection (functional hemispherectomy) of one cerebral hemisphere, primarily performed for treatment of medically refractory epilepsy in children with extensive unilateral brain pathology. The procedure is typically considered when seizures originate from one hemisphere that already has severe dysfunction, and when the remaining hemisphere can potentially support cognitive and motor functions. Modern techniques favor functional hemispherectomy, which disconnects the hemisphere while leaving most brain tissue in place, reducing complications such as superficial cerebral hemosiderosis.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish between 'anatomical' and 'functional' hemispherectomy in clinical documentation.

In Context

• "The patient underwent functional hemispherectomy with excellent seizure control at one-year follow-up." — Neurosurgical operative report
• "Presurgical evaluation supported candidacy for hemispherectomy given the extensive left hemispheric dysfunction." — Epilepsy surgery conference