Scribd
Upload
74 views2 pages

Case Study Analysis: Understanding Split-Brain Phenomena

This case study analyzes a patient named Joe who underwent a corpus callosotomy to treat epilepsy, resulting in unique behaviors that reveal insights about brain function. Key observations indicate that the left hemisphere is responsible for language while the right hemisphere processes visual information, demonstrating a lack of communication between the two sides post-surgery. The findings suggest practical therapies for similar patients, including occupational therapy and alternative communication methods.

Uploaded by

vqksdg626w
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
74 views2 pages

Case Study Analysis: Understanding Split-Brain Phenomena

This case study analyzes a patient named Joe who underwent a corpus callosotomy to treat epilepsy, resulting in unique behaviors that reveal insights about brain function. Key observations indicate that the left hemisphere is responsible for language while the right hemisphere processes visual information, demonstrating a lack of communication between the two sides post-surgery. The findings suggest practical therapies for similar patients, including occupational therapy and alternative communication methods.

Uploaded by

vqksdg626w
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Case Study Analysis: Understanding Split-Brain Phenomena

Course: PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology

Student: Reem Magdi

Date: 30/4/2025

---

Summary
This paper examines a patient named Joe who underwent brain surgery for epilepsy. After
surgeons cut the connection between his brain hemispheres, Joe developed unusual
behaviors that teach us about how the brain works. His case helps psychologists understand
how the two sides of our brain communicate.

Patient Background
Joe suffered from severe seizures that started in one side of his brain. His doctors decided to
perform a special operation called corpus callosotomy. This surgery cuts the bundle of
nerves connecting the brain's two halves. While it helped reduce his seizures, it caused
some unexpected changes in how Joe thinks and acts.

Key Observations
After surgery, doctors noticed three important things about Joe:

1. When shown pictures in his right eye's field of vision, he could name them easily

2. When shown the same pictures in his left eye's field, he couldn't name them but could
point to matching objects

3. Sometimes his left hand would do something different than his right hand, like opening a
drawer while his right hand tried to close it

What This Teaches Us


From Joe's case, we learn several important things about the brain:
- The left side handles language and speaking (this is why Joe could name things on his right
side)
- The right side understands objects and spaces (this is why he could point to things he saw
on his left side)
- Normally, both sides work together smoothly, but in Joe's case, they couldn't communicate

Connecting to Psychology Research


Three important studies help explain Joe's condition:
1. Dr. Sperry's work in the 1960s first showed how split-brain patients behave differently
2. Later research by Dr. Gazzaniga explained how the left brain tries to make sense of what
the right brain does
3. Modern studies show that patients can adapt over time, but some challenges remain

Practical Implications
Joe's case suggests several ways to help similar patients:
- Occupational therapy to help coordinate both hands
- Using pictures and drawings to communicate when words fail
- Teaching patients and families about what to expect

Reference List
1. Gazzaniga, M. (2000). One brain or two? *Scientific American*, 25-31.

2. Sperry, R. (1968). Brain bisection and consciousness. *American Psychologist*, 23(10),


723-733.

3. University of California (2015). Living with split-brain. *Journal of Cognitive


Neuroscience*, 27(6), 112-118.

You might also like