WASHINGTON, Oct 9, (Agencies): A 6-year-old girl battling a rare neurological disease recently underwent a groundbreaking surgical procedure in Los Angeles that involved disconnecting half of her brain. Brianna Bodley, who received a diagnosis of Rasmussen’s encephalitis in August 2022, is now in the process of recovery following a functional hemispherectomy performed on September 28, as detailed on a GoFundMe page organized by her mother, Crystal Bodley.

Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE), a very rare and chronic inflammatory neurological disease, typically affects only one hemisphere (half) of the brain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Symptoms of RE include frequent and severe seizures, encephalitis (brain inflammation), mental deterioration, and the progressive loss of neurological functions like motor skills, speech, and mobility on one side of the body, as explained by NINDS.

Brianna's journey with this disease began after being hospitalized twice within a month due to recurring nighttime seizures. Despite multiple attempts with various medications to control the seizures, which had caused damage to her brain, it was determined that a functional hemispherectomy was the recommended course of action. This surgical procedure disconnects the brain hemispheres from each other and is considered "the only cure for the seizures caused by RE," as stated on her GoFundMe page.

Crystal shared the heart-wrenching impact of her daughter's condition, stating, "She was in pain due to her having non-stop seizures, which are shown in her leg that jerks all day long even when she’s sleeping." She further explained that her daughter's leg would frequently bend unnaturally, causing difficulties with walking.

The complex 10-hour operation was successfully carried out by Dr. Richard Aaron Robison of Loma Linda University Health. Dr. Robison explained, "Just disconnecting [the brain] is enough to stop the disease completely and essentially, potentially cure it." He reassured the family by emphasizing that despite the procedure, Brianna would remain the same person.

As of October 3, Crystal provided an update on the GoFundMe page, revealing that Brianna's medical team was focused on pain management to alleviate her discomfort post-surgery. The young girl would also embark on an intensive rehabilitation journey, which includes learning how to walk and regain the use of her arm, speech therapy, and more.

The page indicated that Brianna would continue rehabilitation until she regains her ability to walk and move her arm, but it is unlikely she will fully recover her fine motor skills in her left hand or her peripheral vision in her left eye. Crystal expressed her faith in her daughter's strength and determination, believing that Brianna would overcome these challenges and accomplish great things in the future.