Brain Disconnection and Schizophrenia

Abstract

The concept of brain disconnection derives from work in which the two cerebral hemispheres are surgically separated by division of the corpus callosum. The patient behaves as if his two half-brains function to some degree independently. The syndrome of brain disconnection is exemplified by such split-brain cases (Geschwind, 1965). Neither hemisphere shows an awareness of the functions of the other, and there is a marked failure to cross-match stimuli across the midline of the body. The integrity of the corpus callosum is essential to normal integration between the hemispheres.