hemispherectomy
Pronunciation: hem-ih-sfeer-EK-toh-mee
A surgical procedure involving functional disconnection or anatomical removal of one cerebral hemisphere to treat intractable epilepsy.
Full Definition
Hemispherectomy is a major neurosurgical procedure performed for severe, unilateral epilepsy that is refractory to medical treatment, often due to conditions like hemimegalencephaly, Sturge-Weber syndrome, or Rasmussen encephalitis. Modern techniques include functional hemispherectomy, where the hemisphere is disconnected but not removed, reducing surgical complications. Despite the dramatic nature of the surgery, outcomes can be excellent for seizure control, and children often show remarkable neuroplasticity with the remaining hemisphere compensating for lost functions.
Usage
Usage note: Single word. Distinguish between anatomical and functional approaches in documentation.
In Context
- "The patient underwent functional hemispherectomy for medically refractory epilepsy secondary to hemimegalencephaly." — Operative report
- "Post-hemispherectomy outcomes showed complete seizure freedom with expected contralateral hemiparesis." — Surgical follow-up