PSYB65H3 Chapter 15-1: Chp 15 How Does the Brain Think Part 1
Document Summary
Epileptic seizures require neurosurgeons to sever 200 million nerve fibres of the corpus callosum. The procedure is beneficial for these epilepsy patients as they become seizure- free with only minimal effects on their everyday behaviour. On close inspection, split-brain patients reveal a unique behavioural syndrome that offers insight into the nature of cerebral asymmetry. Cortical symmetry is essential for such integrative tasks as language and body control. One split-brain patient was presented with several blocks. Each block has two red sides, two white sides, two half-red, and two half-white sides. The tasks were to arrange the blocks to form patterns identical with those shown on cards. When the subject used his right hand to perform the task, he had great difficulty. However, when he performed with his left hand, his solutions were not only accurate but also quick and decisive.
