Long-term and short-term effects of childhood hemispherectomies on language abilities

Abstract

Introduction: A cerebral hemispherectomy is a surgical procedure in which either the left or right hemisphere of the brain is completely removed, and is undergone as a result of intractable seizures.

Methods: This scoping review was conducted using eighteen relevant articles, and utilized the databases provided through the Feinberg Library.

Results: Because language deficits are so significant in many patients prior to hemispherectomies, language abilities tend to either stay the same or improve once the hemispherectomy is complete.

Discussion: Although the trends appear to be consistent across studies, it is important to acknowledge that individual factors may have impacted patients language success, maintenance, or regression following surgery. Conclusions: This literature review suggests that further research is needed regarding postoperative language therapy.