When the human brain's normal electrical activity is suddenly altered, a seizure can result. Seizures cause several behavioral and physical complications such as sudden mood changes, muscle spasms, or uncontrollable body shaking. Seizure impulses often start in one hemisphere of the brain and travel to the other. Which of the following surgical treatments would reduce the severity of seizures?
A) surgically altering the hypothalamus so that the patient's biological clock has altered circadian rhythms
B) severing the corpus callosum so that the brain has diminished ability to send messages between the two cerebral hemispheres
C) severing the parietal lobe so that speech capabilities are diminished
D) stimulating the cerebrum to allow the retention of short-term memory capabilities

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Severing the corpus callosum would reduce the severity of seizures as it would limit the spread of seizure impulses between the two cerebral hemispheres. This surgical treatment is known as corpus callosotomy and is a well-established treatment for certain types of epilepsy. The other options listed would not address the underlying cause of seizures or could cause additional complications.

When the Human Brain's Normal Electrical Activity Is Suddenly Altered