Washington, October 10: Doctors at Loma Linda University Health in US state of California performed a major operation on a six-year-old girl and disconnected half of her brain to cure a rare disease. Brianna Bodley was among the few children in the United States suffering from Rasmussen's Encephalitis, which causes brain inflammation, resulting in recurrent seizures (epilepsy) and gradual brain impairment. This uncommon disease impacts 500 children annually in the United States.

The doctors from California's Loma Linda University Health conducted a 10-hour-long surgery on Brianna to cure Rasmussen's Encephalitis. Despite the potential for side effects, such as a partial reduction in peripheral vision and fine motor skills in her left hand, the team of doctors believe that Brianna could lead an ordinary life with rigorous physical therapy in various forms. Earthquake in US: 4.5-Magnitude Quake Strikes Near Seattle in Washington.

US Doctors Disconnect Part of Six-Year-Old Girl's Brain to Cure Rare Disease:

 

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A post shared by Crystal Bodley (@briannasrejourney)

 

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A post shared by Crystal Bodley (@briannasrejourney)

"Brianna was once a vibrant child who enjoyed singing, dancing, and reading. However, her life took a challenging turn when she began experiencing seizures, ultimately leading to learning difficulties and paralysis last year. Her leg would bend up all the time and she would have trouble walking." Brianna's mother, Crystal Bodley, told ABC News.

Due to the seizures and inflammation, Brianna's brain shrunk on one side, and the best option was to disconnect half of her brain, Loma Linda University Health doctor Aaron Robison told the media outlet. "Just disconnecting it is enough to stop the disease completely and essentially, potentially cure it," Dr Robinson said. AI for Surgery: Doctors Use Artificial Intelligence and Brain Implants To Help US Man Move and Feel Again.

In the past, medicos performed partial brain removal procedures, often resulting in increased complications. But now the non functioning part of the brain can be disconnected. "Brianna will still be the same person, even after disconnecting half her brain," Robison said to ABC News.

Brianna's mother shared recent pictures of the little girl on Instagram where she can be seen walking with the help of a stick and recovering after the surgery. Crystal Bodley on Instagram recorded Brianna's experiences throughout her battle with the disease and her course of treatment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2023 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).