My son, Benjamin, had a left functional hemispherectomy at four months old for Cortical Dysplasia. Ben started having seizures and infantile spasms within days of birth. He was diagnosed by EEG and MRI at three weeks of age with Cortical Dysplasia in the motor cortex of the left hemisphere. Medications were attempted to control his seizures (Phenobarbital, Topomax, Keppra) but were unsuccessful.

Ben’s surgery was done in November of 2008 at Denver Children’s Hospital by Dr. Michael Handler. Ben has been seizure-free since his surgery and lives a full and happy life. He does have right-sided hemiplegia and right homonymous hemianopsia as a result of his surgery.

Ben is now 14 years old and in 8th grade. He is on the Principal’s Honor Roll, participates in Cross Country running and golf, and is a member of his middle school’s National Junior Honor Society. Ben receives weekly PT/OT services from an outpatient therapy provider once a week.

Languages spoken: English