Filters
A hemispherectomy is a special brain surgery where doctors remove or disconnect the half of your brain that causes bad seizures. Before the surgery, the doctors do tests like brain scans and give you a short sleep test to find out exactly where the seizures start. During the surgery, they gently open the skull, do the procedure, and then put everything back in place carefully.
After surgery, you will stay in the hospital for a few days so doctors and nurses can watch how you’re doing. You’ll probably feel sleepy and need time to heal, but soon you'll begin therapy to help you learn to move, speak, and do everyday tasks again. Medicines that help control seizures will be adjusted over time. Many kids feel much better afterwards and can resume activities like attending school, playing with friends, and learning new things.
Hemispherectomy is a rare but life-changing neurosurgical procedure performed to treat severe, intractable epilepsy that originates from one cerebral hemisphere.It is typically used when seizures do not respond to medications and are caused by extensive damage or malformation in one side of the brain.The goal is to remove or disconnect the affected hemisphere to stop seizure activity, reduce neurological decline, and improve quality of life.
Consult a pediatric or adult epileptologist if you or your child has drug-resistant epilepsy, especially if seizures are frequent, disabling, or result in developmental regression.Early evaluation is critical if imaging (MRI, EEG, PET) shows unilateral cortical dysplasia, Rasmussen’s encephalitis, Sturge-Weber syndrome, or hemimegalencephaly.Surgery is considered when seizures are disabling and localized to one hemisphere, and other treatments have failed.
Preparation involves an extensive pre-surgical epilepsy evaluation, including:
- Video EEG monitoring to localize seizure origin
- MRI, PET, or MEG scans to assess brain structure and function
- Neuropsychological testing to evaluate cognitive and language baseline
- Multidisciplinary team discussion to ensure the patient is a surgical candidate
- Patients may also need blood work and a pre-anesthesia evaluation.
Hemispherectomy is done under general anesthesia and may take several forms:
- Anatomic Hemispherectomy: Physical removal of one hemisphere (rarely performed today)
- Functional Hemispherectomy: Disconnects the dysfunctional hemisphere while leaving most of it in place
- Hemidecortication or Hemispherotomy: Disconnection of cortical fibers and seizure pathways with minimal tissue removal
- A large craniotomy is performed, and the surgeon uses microsurgical tools to isolate or remove the affected hemisphere. Advanced intraoperative imaging and neuro-navigation are used for precision.
The surgery typically takes 6 to 12 hours, depending on the technique and extent of brain involvement.Postoperative ICU monitoring is usually required for 1–2 days, followed by a hospital stay of 7 to 14 days.Rehabilitation planning begins early in the recovery period.
- Hemiparesis or weakness on the opposite side (usually pre-existing and expected to remain)
- Hydrocephalus requiring a shunt
- Infection, bleeding, or stroke
- Visual field loss (hemianopia)
- Cognitive or behavioral changes
- Seizure recurrence (rare if seizure focus is fully remo Surgery is generally well-tolerated in children due to brain plasticity and the presence of already impaired function in the affected hemisphere.
- Seizure freedom in up to 85% of patients
- Improved developmental outcomes, especially in children
- Reduces reliance on anti-seizure medications
- Prevents further cognitive and neurological regression
- Improves overall quality of life, schooling, and social development
Recovery includes close neurological monitoring, followed by intensive rehabilitation for motor function, language, and adaptive skills.Most patients remain hospitalized for 1–2 weeks before transitioning to an inpatient or outpatient neuro-rehab facility.Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are key to maximizing long-term function. Educational support and caregiver training are also essential.
Hemispherectomy offers seizure freedom in 70–85% of patients and significant seizure reduction in over 90%.Younger patients often achieve better outcomes due to neuroplasticity, allowing the remaining hemisphere to adapt.Cognitive and developmental improvements are often seen within months to years post-surgery when combined with consistent rehabilitation.
Would you like some help? We are available.
Get Help Explore Hospitals ( 95 )
Phyathai 2 International Hospital
Bangkok, Thailand
Phyathai 2 International Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Fully equipped rooms are available for convenience of the patients- Gold B Room, Gold A Room, Pediatric Gold A, Platinum room, and Prestige ward
- Nearby accommodations are also available- Abloom Service Apartments, Bangkok Patio, VIB Best Western Sanam Pao, VIC3 Hotel
- Operating room
- International Patient Medical Center to assist overseas patients
Parkway East Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Total capacity for 143 beds
- Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
- All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
- Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
- 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
- Intensive Care Unit
- 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
- 1 Nursery with 30 cots
- 1 Parentcraft room
- 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
- 24-hour Pharmacy
NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
5.0 ( 1 Reviews )
NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 24/7 Emergency Psychiatry service with a private ambulance
- Turkeys first and only A-class ultra-clean Operating Room
- Advanced Toxicology Validation Laboratory service is provided as Addiction Clinic (NPAMATEM)
- International Patient Center
- Accommodation assistance in nearby hotels, apartments, lodges, etc.
- 24-hour translation services for international patients
- In-house Pharmacy
Saudi German Hospital
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4.6 ( 1 Reviews )
Saudi German Hospital located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Saudi German Hospital is spread over 41,062 square meters.
- Many kinds of rooms are available for patients based on their needs and requirements from General Ward, Economy rooms, Deluxe, Super Deluxe to Royal suites.
- It is a healthcare services umbrella providing diverse healthcare services.
- The hospital comprises 37 ICU, 21 NICU,11 PICU and 11 Bed capacity for stroke unit.
- 30 beds capacity of the 24/7 emergency unit
- The hospital comprises a medical tourism department under its efforts to better connect with and help international patients.
- Translators available in many languages such as English, French, Arabic, German, Russian, Turkish, Italian and more.
- 316 bed capacity of the Saudi German Hospital, Dubai.
Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The hospital has a capacity of 197 beds and 15 operating rooms in a closed area of ??
- The hospital covers about 67,000 m with a capacity of 197 beds and 15 Operation Theatres
- 12 Professional Treatment Centers
- Standard equipment in all the rooms include phone, TV, Wi-Fi access, safe shower and a restroom with shampoo and slippers to meet hygiene, safety and quality expectations of our patients and companions
- The Hospital also provides advantage of Transportation due to its central location
Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng Hospital
Bangkok, Thailand
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Kasemrad Ramkhamhaeng Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Initially started with 1.5 acres of land and expanded to 3.5 acres
- 139 beds, 39 Examination Rooms
- 13 Specialties Departments/Centers
- 24*7 Emergency Department
- Accommodation facilities are available- VIP rooms, Single special room, 6-bed dormitory, baby room
Liv Hospital Ulus
Istanbul, Turkey
4.9 ( 1 Reviews )
Liv Hospital Ulus located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The Istanbul center consists of 154 beds, 8 operating rooms, and 50 clinics
- Boasts of most experienced and talented Robotic surgeons in the world and is the only hospital in Turkey to receive the Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence certification
- Highest form and techniques in Radiation Oncology among Hospitals in Turkey
- Highly advanced Cancer treatment techniques like Immunotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Robotic Surgery, etc
- Specialized treatments like Box Technique, Zygomatic Implants
- IVF Center
- Hair Transplant Clinic
- Check Up Center
- Stem Cell Center
- Emergency Department
- Diabetes Polyclinic
- Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic
Global Health City
Chennai, India
The Hospital has world-class infrastructure with a capacity of over 1000 beds and much more-
- 265 Licensed beds
- 13 Operation Theatres
- 24*7 Cath Lab
- 24*7 available Blood Bank
- 24*7 Emergency Department
- 24*7 Open Pharmacy
Sterling Wockhardt Hospital
Mumbai, India
Sterling Wockhardt Hospital located in Mumbai, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The bed capacity of Sterling Wockhardt Hospital is 50.
- Critical care and complex cases resolution is done with excellent results.
- Emergency departments with 3 beds capacity and Intensive Care Unit with 10 beds capacity.
- The healthcare delivery focus of the hospital is both on prevention as well curing the conditions.
- Diagnostics are well developed with the latest technological developments.
- Pharmacy, operating rooms, lab services are at par with the best in the country.
- 24/7 ambulance services to cover healthcare requirements in Panvel and Vashi.
- Accommodation, airport transfers, flight bookings and translation services are all available for international patients.
Star Hospitals
Hyderabad, India
Star Hospitals located in Hyderabad, India is accredited by NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The bed capacity of Star Hospitals, Hyderabad, India is 130.
- The hospital has Intensive Care Units which are upgraded with the latest technologies.
- International patient care services are applied to make the process of medical travel easier for international patients.
- Centres of Excellence across disciplines such as Cardiac Sciences, Renal Sciences, Critical Care, ENT, Spine Surgery etc.
- A radiology centre which has been digitised.
- There are Centers of Excellence for prominent specialties such as cardiac care and neurosciences, there are a total of six.
Need Some Advice From Our Experts?
Request a Call Back Now!
Our team of healthcare experts would be happy to assist you
+99Process Involved for Hemispherectomy
- Preoperative: Evaluation using EEG, MRI, neuropsychological, and sometimes Wada tests; medication adjustments; education for family preparation.
- Intraoperative: Performed under general anaesthesia with either anatomical removal or functional disconnection techniques, guided by intraoperative monitoring (e.g., electrocorticography).
- Postoperative: ICU monitoring (2–3 days), wound and drain management, continuation of antiepileptic medications, and imaging to detect complications like bleeding or hydrocephalus.
- Rehabilitation: Early initiation of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, often starting within days with ongoing follow-up to regain motor skills, speech, and functional independence.
- Hemimegalencephaly: one side of the brain becomes abnormally large and causes frequent, hard-to-control seizures. Surgery disconnects or removes the affected half and usually stops the seizures.
- Extensive cortical dysplasia: developmental abnormalities in the brain’s cortex (like polymicrogyria) that cause severe, resistant epilepsy. Hemispherectomy disconnects the malfunctioning region.
- Perinatal stroke or encephalomalacia: damage from early-life stroke or brain injury often leads to persistent, localised seizures. Removing or isolating the damaged hemisphere effectively controls them.
- Rasmussen’s encephalitis is a rare, progressive condition characterised by a slow-growing inflammation that affects one side of the brain, resulting in seizures, weakness, and loss of function. Surgery halts the disease’s effects.
- Sturge–Weber syndrome: a congenital vascular brain disorder that causes drug-resistant seizures on one side; hemispherectomy can eliminate the seizure focus and preserve development.
- Hemiconvulsion–hemiplegia–epilepsy syndrome starts with prolonged convulsions on one side, leading to paralysis and ongoing seizures. Surgery is a key option when medications fail.
- Traumatic brain injury or porencephalic cyst: severe injury or resulting cysts in one hemisphere may lead to uncontrollable epilepsy; surgery disconnects the faulty tissue
- Preoperative assessment: Comprehensive evaluations (EEG, MRI, neuropsychological testing, sometimes Wada/MEG) determine seizure origins and assess whether the healthy hemisphere can support vital functions. Patients and families receive education about procedure expectations and medication adjustments.
- Craniotomy and exposure: Under general anaesthesia, a neurosurgeon makes a scalp incision and removes a portion of the skull to expose the diseased hemisphere.
- Hemisection or hemisphere removal
Based on specific needs, the surgeon either disconnects brain connections (functional hemispherectomy or hemispherotomy), including the corpus callosum and key white matter tracts, or removes large parts of the diseased hemisphere (anatomical hemispherectomy). - Hemostasis and cleaning: After disconnection or resection, the surgeon controls bleeding, irrigates the cavity with saline, and ensures any exposed brain tissue is cleaned and secured.
- Watertight dural repair, bone flap replacement, and layered scalp closure—all in one step: a finely sutured dura (often reinforced with graft), precise reattachment of the skull flap using screws or plates, and sequential closure of scalp layers (muscle, fascia, galea, skin) with a drain or dressing to reduce bleeding and swellin
- Immediate postoperative care: Patients usually spend 1–3 days in the ICU with close monitoring, followed by a hospital stay of around 5–7 days with neurological checks and early imaging to detect complications.
- Rehabilitation and recovery: Rehabilitation begins within days, with physical, occupational, and speech therapy to promote motor and cognitive recovery. Antiepileptic drugs are continued and tapered gradually. Long-term follow-up supports developmental progress and seizure monitoring.
- Hemispherotomy
- Callosotomy
- Hemidecortication
- Lesionectomy
- Lobectomy
- Resection
- High likelihood of stopping or significantly reducing seizures, with about 66–83 per cent of patients becoming seizure‑free.
- Prevents further brain damage by halting ongoing seizure activity.
- Enables the remaining hemisphere to reorganise functions like speech and movement, especially in young patients.
- Improves independence, mobility, daily function, and quality of life in most children.
- Stabilises or even enhances cognitive development, including language and memory, with many showing no decline over long-term follow-up.
False
- Please complete the form to provide us with relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert opinions and a cost breakdown for various options.
- Select your preferred option: Choose the therapy option that best suits your needs.
- Seamless Organisation: We will manage all the details, including visas, flights, accommodations, and transfers, for a stress-free journey.
