A recent medical case has puzzled scientists: a 44-year-old man has been living a seemingly normal life despite having only 10% of his brain tissue remaining.
The patient was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.
In his case, the excess CSF has gradually displaced nearly all of the brain parenchyma, leaving only a thin peripheral rim of functional neural tissue. Imaging studies revealed that the majority of his cranial cavity is occupied by fluid.
Remarkably, despite this profound anatomical abnormality, the man leads a fully functional life.
He is employed as a civil servant, has a family, and possesses a measured IQ of 84 — slightly below the statistical average, but well within the range of independent functioning.
This case calls into question long-standing assumptions about neuroanatomy, brain plasticity, and the localization of consciousness and cognitive functions.
It suggests a remarkable degree of adaptability in the central nervous system, and may prompt a re-evaluation of how essential various brain structures are to everyday functioning.
Further Reading:
Feuillet, L., Dufour, H., & Pelletier, J. (2007) Brain of a White-Collar Worker. The Lancet, 370(9583), 262. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61127-1 Accessed April 10, 2025
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