A Teenager with Half a Brain (Life After a Hemispherectomy)

Mikisa had half of her brain removed in a procedure known as a hemispherectomy. Following this surgery, she went from having hundreds of seizures a day to being seizure-free. Mikisa is now a teenager who desires independence but struggles to complete many tasks by herself. Her parents want Mikisa to know that she is a valued part of their family, and they consider her a gift.

SBSK's Socials:

[jenerhart]

She really had you on the ropes, Chris, didn't she? She has some very serious, deep questions for you. I love how she advocates for herself! Such a strong young lady!

[carolinematusevich]

And because of her young age, plus neuroplasticity, she's gonna make even more improvements. She's definitely a medical miracle.

[ESSBrew]

"How can I have happy thoughts in my head?" That is such a hard question. Many adults struggle with that everyday.

[c.mcafeeart]

"Give me more suggestions, honey"
My heart melted! She's amazing.

[carrenjoye]

Our daughter had the same surgery in 2010 when she was 11 years old. She's been seizure-free ever since! And she, too, does things we and the doctors never thought she would, such as horseback riding. She, too, has very few memories from before the surgery. We thank the Lord for that surgery! So happy for your family!

[gemgemley]

he never "dumbs" down the conversation with any of his new friends <3 if they dont understand at first, he just rephrases. he truly views everyone as his equal and it brings tears to my eyes to see such passion and genuine kindness. thank you for sharing your beautiful new friends, they all teach us so much more love and empathy.

[mirrormirror]

She’s a groovy teen! When she said she minds her own business to avoid the noise, I felt that. Glad to see this family is so supportive and full of love.

[karengolder]

My daughter is a similar age and has had a left hemispherotomy- she’s so similar!! Much love to this fellow hemi family! X

[na]

Let the mom know you can install a toothpaste holder to the bathroom, it’s kinda like a soap dispenser at a public restroom. I thought it was silly when I saw it at first (it was someone who was rich and lazy to push a tube) but I think it would be perfect in this situation! It might be costly but I think it would really help her in the long run and make her feel independent. That’s so important for people, independence is like freedom :)

[Nattielockx]

"Maybe I can be positive to myself,
Maybe I can think kindly to myself."

This brought tears to my eyes. This young lady can teach us all something. Half-brain or full brain - she defo has a sweet huge heart ❤️

[luisvonbismarck]

This girl is pure joy, it's impossible not to like her.
Props to her fantastic family for having her in their life and to the neurosurgeons for such an amazing job.

[sophie]

Mikisa is so expressive, inquisitive, intelligent, determined, and confident. I love how she advocated for herself and wasn't afraid to ask questions - very important, profound questions. Go go go Mikisa! You have such a bright future ahead of you!

[Jazzy.girl.Sarah]

I'm so glad she doesn't remember the trauma of the awful seizures. She is so smart and well spoken.

[DigiLas]

Oh my word. She's so eager to learn. She's free to say when she doesn't understand something. I'm in love with her. Watching this just melted my heart.

[ShiftyCDN]

Epilepsy is terrible. The treatment is either being medicated for life and/or brain surgery. I had a portion of brain removed, and it changed my life forever--I cannot imagine having to go to such an extreme extent to treat such a mentally and physically draining ailment. Glad to hear she's seizure free!

Edit: Temporal lobe surgery stopped the tonic-clonics but I still get partial seizures.

[SacredWaves]

Toothpaste on the toothbrush... there are auto dispensers for toothpaste now. You place the brush under the sensor, and it places the paste on the brush. Wonderful help for those with difficulty. I purchased one for my friends son. He wanted to brush on his own as well, and has the same hinderance. He cant squeeze the tune and hold the brush too, so... a dispenser worked for him. Just a thought.

[RhododendraLynn]

When she said, "Oh I know! I am helpful!" I smiled so big. It was so nice to watch her start to understand the concept of affirmations and the moment where she thought of one herself. That must be so rewarding as an educator. Great job, Chris. But mostly, great job Mikisa. Don't ever stop asking questions. It is the best way to learn!

[beccac]

Chris truly has a gift for communicating with anyone in a respectful way, and actually connecting to them. He is so patient, so intuitive .

[chrismiller]

My gosh my heart melted seeing her coming up with her own affirmation, you could see how happy it made her to say that to herself

[carisaunders]

"Give me some suggestions, honey." Haha, i love how she kept putting you on the spot. What a beautiful girl.