Bizarre Mental Health Issues: Split Brain Syndrome

Split brain syndrome may sound like the name of something relating to split personalities or what is now called disassociative identity disorder, but the two are actually completely different mental health issues. The only similarity between these two syndromes is the fact that no one train of thought is in control full time.

Split brain syndrome is actually a disorder that is often induced as a side effect of a treatment for brain disorders like epilepsy. To understand split brain syndrome, you first need to understand how the brain is structured.

Think of the human brain as two halves connected together by a series of threads. This series of threads is actually called the corpus callosum. These "threads" are actually nerves and nerve fibers that transmit messages between one hemisphere of the brain and the other. This transmission of information happens at a very fast rate and without our conscious knowledge. Since each side of the brain processes information differently, when they both function together our actions seem smooth and predictable according to our natural instincts and personalities.

Normally it is accepted that the left side of the brain is in charge of language and logic while the right side of the brain is in charge of things like imagery and music. This is not the case with everyone, but for most people it is. It's also a generally accepted fact that the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and visa verse. Remember that the two sides of the brain normally trade information back and forth so that together they can complete the tasks that the body requires. In the case of split brain syndrome, there is no communication between the two hemispheres.

Let us consider what would happen if we covered one eye at a time and presented an image or object to someone with split brain syndrome.

If you covered the left eye and placed a card on the table with the word "ball" on it and asked the person to say what the word was, the person would say the word "ball". This is because the right eye is sending signals to the left side of the brain, which controls language.

If you covered the right eye and placed a card on the table with the word "ball" on it and asked the person to say what the word was, the person would not be able to say what the word was. However, if you asked them to show you the ball and there was one on the table, they would be able to.

Split brain syndrome can also cause what seems to observers like bizarre behavior. For instance, one hand may try to bite into an apple while the other hand knocks the apple away. Keep in mind that the two hemispheres each have their own strong points that would usually work together and share information. When they become incapable of sharing information, each hemisphere will in some cases, act on its own.

So, the next time you think you're "of two minds" about something, think again!

References: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~jbogen/text/ref130.htm
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/split.html