HEMISPHERECTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Hemispherectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal or disconnection of one half, or hemisphere, of the brain. It is typically performed as a treatment option for individuals with severe, medically intractable epilepsy, in which seizures are not effectively controlled by medications. The procedure aims to eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, thereby improving the individual's quality of life.
During a hemispherectomy, the surgeon removes or disconnects the affected hemisphere from the remaining healthy hemisphere of the brain, either partially or completely. This surgery is usually performed on children, as their brains have more plasticity, allowing the unaffected hemisphere to compensate for the functions previously controlled by the removed hemisphere. However, in some cases, it may also be performed on adults.
The extent of the procedure varies depending on the specific condition and individual's needs. In some cases, it may involve removing specific regions of the hemisphere, while in others, the entire hemisphere may be disconnected or removed. The procedure is highly complex and requires a team of specialized medical professionals, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, and anesthesiologists.
While hemispherectomy is considered a radical procedure, it has demonstrated significant success in reducing or eliminating seizures in many individuals with severe epilepsy. However, the surgery may also result in changes in cognitive, motor, and sensory functions, depending on the extent of the removed hemisphere. Extensive rehabilitation and support are usually required following the procedure to optimize functional outcomes and enable the individual to adapt to the changes in brain structure and function.
Common Misspellings for HEMISPHERECTOMY
- gemispherectomy
- bemispherectomy
- nemispherectomy
- jemispherectomy
- uemispherectomy
- yemispherectomy
- hwmispherectomy
- hsmispherectomy
- hdmispherectomy
- hrmispherectomy
- h4mispherectomy
- h3mispherectomy
- henispherectomy
- hekispherectomy
- hejispherectomy
- hemuspherectomy
- hemjspherectomy
- hemkspherectomy
- hemospherectomy
- hem9spherectomy
Etymology of HEMISPHERECTOMY
The word "hemispherectomy" is derived from two root words: "hemi" and "spherectomy".
1. "Hemi" is a prefix originating from the Greek word "hēmisus", meaning "half" or "one half". It refers to one of the two halves of the brain, namely the left hemisphere or the right hemisphere.
2. "Spherectomy" is a combination of the root word "sphero", derived from the Greek word "sphaira" meaning "sphere", and the suffix "-ectomy", derived from the Greek word "ektomē" meaning "excision" or "removal".
