Beth Usher on Life with Half a Brain

This week Dr. Nath is joined by Beth Usher and her parents, Brian and Kathy, to talk about her childhood diagnosis of Rasmussen’s encephalitis and the resulting hemispherectomy, a surgery to remove half her brain, that has earned her a spot in medical history. Beth shares her memories from that time and how she has used humor and laughter to remain positive throughout her journey, including a friendship with Mister Rogers. Her parents share what it was like to witness the effects of Rasmussen’s encephalitis on their young daughter and to make such a dramatic treatment decision on Beth’s behalf. Dr. Nath is then joined by Dr. James Riviello, associate section head for epilepsy, neurophysiology, and neurocritical care at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Riviello describes his experience treating Rasmussen’s encephalitis and explains how a hemispherectomy can successfully treat the condition.

Additional Resources:

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/rasmussen-s-encephalitis

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/as-a-child-beth-usher-had-half-her-brain-removed/

https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/speak-uphow-mister-rogers-saved-my-life/

https://www.aath.org/

http://www.hemifoundation.org 

http://www.brainrecoveryproject.org

Social Media:

Guest: Beth Usher

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD