Only Half the Brain Is Necessary
While it may seem unbelievable, there are cases where individuals must undergo a hemispherectomy, a surgical procedure that entails removing or disconnecting half of the brain. Typically, this drastic measure is taken in order to address seizures that have proven resistant to medication. However, despite the complexity of the surgery and the extensive rehabilitation required for recovery, it is surprising to learn that memory, personality, and humor remain unaffected. Any cognitive changes that do occur are generally minimal, if they occur at all.
Scientists Discovering New Brain Cells
Despite the continuous progress in medical science, there is still a long way to go in fully comprehending the complexities of the human brain. Even the identification of all the different types of cells within the brain remains an ongoing challenge for experts. In a noteworthy development in 2018, scientists unveiled the existence of a unique class of inhibitory neurons known as rosehip neurons. However, the precise functions and roles of these newly discovered cells in the brain are yet to be fully understood.