Consulting Medical and Forensic Anthropologist. Historic Archaeologist. Science Writer. Hopelessly Curious.

Currently tracking the long-term implications of brain surgery on the PATIENT over the past 50 years. Brain surgery has evolved dramatically over the past 50 years - yet few papers have been published about the long term implications on the patient. Journals are starting to publish results of Deep Brain Stimulation, however these studies rarely focus on groups larger than 10, and the LONGEST study I've found followed patients for a scant 6 1/2 years. I had my surgery - a cryogenic stereotactic "hypothalamectomy" 40-years ago. Obviously my hypothalamus was not removed, and despite developing dysarthria, dysphagia and mild dyskinesia three months later, the surgery was considered successful. Today, this surgery is rarely done, and I have never been questioned about physiological or psychological changes which have occurred since. For example, developing epilepsy six years ago (now controlled), bouts of extreme depression, I forget to eat, and when something catches my attention, I can write for 18 hours without a break - which is a peculiar - but rather useful skill when in graduate school!

AJC hasn't added any friends yet.