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Man Thrives with 90% Brain Missing: A Medical Marvel

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In France, a man presented with leg weakness due to hydrocephalus.
Doctors found 90% of his brain was missing, yet he led a normal life.
Cognitive psychologist Axel Cleermans noted he was socially adept, raising questions about brain function and consciousness.
The Lancet published the case in 2007, and hydrocephalus affects about 1 in 1,000 people, illustrating the brain's resilience.

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Story summary

In France, a man presented with leg weakness due to hydrocephalus.
Doctors found 90% of his brain was missing, yet he led a normal life.
Cognitive psychologist Axel Cleermans noted he was socially adept, raising questions about brain function and consciousness.
The Lancet published the case in 2007, and hydrocephalus affects about 1 in 1,000 people, illustrating the brain's resilience.