Wilder Penfield

Wilder Penfield (January 26, 1891 – April 5, 1976) was an American-Canadian neurosurgeon. He was a pioneer in the field of neurology and made significant contributions to the understanding of the human brain. His work has had a profound impact on the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

Early life and education

Penfield was born in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin. He attended Princeton University, where he studied psychology. He then went on to study medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he was influenced by the work of Harvey Cushing and William Osler.

Career

After completing his medical training, Penfield moved to Montreal, Canada, where he established the Montreal Neurological Institute in 1934. Here, he developed the Montreal procedure, a surgical technique for treating epilepsy. This procedure involves the removal of brain tissue that is causing seizures, while the patient is awake and able to provide feedback to the surgeon. This technique has been widely adopted and is still used today.

Penfield also made significant contributions to the understanding of the human brain. He developed a map of the brain, known as the Penfield homunculus, which shows the areas of the brain responsible for different bodily functions. This map has been instrumental in the development of neurosurgery and neuroscience.

Legacy

Penfield's work has had a profound impact on the field of neurology. His contributions to the understanding of the human brain and the treatment of epilepsy have saved countless lives and continue to influence the field today. He was awarded the Lasker Award for his contributions to medical science and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in Canada.

See also

• Neurosurgery
• Epilepsy
• Montreal Neurological Institute
• Montreal procedure
• Penfield homunculus

References

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External links

• Biography of Wilder Penfield at the Montreal Neurological Institute

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