Definition

A medical procedure where one half of the brain is surgically removed, often to treat severe epilepsy that cannot be controlled by other means.

Example

The doctors decided to perform a hemispherectomy to help manage the patient's severe seizures.

Conversation

Did you hear about that kid who had a hemispherectomy to control his seizures?

Yeah, that's really intense! I can't believe they can do that surgery.

I know, right? It's amazing what medicine can achieve these days.

Absolutely! It’s a big decision, but it can really change a person's life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemispherectomy is formed from "hemispherium" (from Greek "hēmi-" meaning half and "sphaira" meaning sphere) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektomē" meaning excision or cutting out). The word refers to the surgical procedure of removing half of the brain, thus cutting out a hemisphere.

Memory Tip

Think of 'half' ('hēmi-') of a 'sphere' ('sphaira') being 'cut out' ('-ectomy') — that's what hemispherectomy means.

Visually Confused Words