Brains Heal

Last summer, my cousin suddenly lost the ability to move the right side of his body. An MRI scan showed that he had cerebral cavernous malfunction (CCM), and one of the lesions had burst, causing temporary paralysis. It was terrifying to watch, and it made me realize how many myths exist about brain disorders. People often assume that a “brain lesion” or really a brain-related anything, automatically means surgery is required or that the patient will be permanently disabled, but that’s not always true.

Thanks to careful monitoring, my cousin didn’t need surgery. Through non-surgical treatment, he regained his ability to move. Many children with CCM experience similar recoveries, which completely challenged my assumptions about neurological conditions. Not every brain lesion is catastrophic, and outcomes can vary widely depending on the individual case and the quality of care.

CCMs are clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can sometimes cause seizures or hemorrhagic strokes, but here’s the thing: having a lesion doesn’t automatically mean disaster. The brain has an incredible capacity to adapt, and with proper care, patients can lead full, active lives.

My cousin’s experience taught me that we need to question fear-based assumptions about brain health. Medical myths can make conditions seem more hopeless than they are, but learning the science behind them shows there’s often hope, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you love is facing health challenges right now, remember—there’s always hope for healing.