Final answer:
A hemispherectomy is a surgical procedure performed when other treatments for severe epilepsy have failed. It involves removing an entire cerebral hemisphere and can result in deficits in language and motor skills. Another option is a corpus callosotomy, where the corpus callosum is cut to control seizures, leading to unique behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hemispherectomy is a surgical procedure where an entire cerebral hemisphere of the brain is removed. It is generally indicated when other treatments for severe epilepsy have failed to control seizures. While the surgery results in some deficits, especially in language and motor skills, it can be an effective treatment option for children with immature nervous systems. Some patients with severe epilepsy may also undergo a procedure called a corpus callosotomy, where the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerves connecting the two hemispheres, is cut instead of removing an entire hemisphere. This creates a condition called split-brain and helps control the spread of seizures. However, it can result in unique behaviors, such as the inability to verbally name objects presented in the left visual field but still being able to recreate them with the left hand.