Living with no connection
Are you better at math or art? Do you prefer logic or creativity? Are you left-brained or right-brained? For people like Matthew Cachinero, there is no difference between the two.
Most brains have a right and left hemisphere connected by a small, C-shaped structure called the corpus callosum. This structure sends messages between the right and left hemispheres, helping a person make decisions and complete everyday tasks.
Cachinero, 15, was born with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). ACC is a rare birth defect in which the corpus callosum is partially or completely absent. The connection between the two hemispheres is weak or not there at all.
The severity of the symptoms from ACC vary from person to person. In Cachinero’s case, they are somewhat mild.
“Ever since I can remember, I always felt so much slower than everyone else,” said Cachinero. “Problems that would take my friends and classmates a minute to solve would take me five minutes to solve. I always felt behind in school.”
Behavioral psychologist, Dr. Yusimi Sijo, said the two hemispheres have their own specific jobs.
“Each hemisphere of the brain is equal in size and density, but they act in different ways,” Yusimi said. “The left hemisphere of the brain is often associated with analytic thought, logic, language and number skills, while the right is associated with artistry and creativity.”
Painters, sculptors, music producers and graphic designers are all people who usually consider themselves to be right-brained. Mathematicians, scientists and engineers consider themselves to be left-brained.
Yusimi explained that the hemispheres do not only control a person’s interested, they are also responsible for all movements on the opposite side of the body.
“The left hemisphere controls all motor functions on the right side of the body,” Yusimi said. “Writing with your right hand, taking a step forward with your right foot and winking your right eye are all controlled by the left hemisphere, and vice versa with the right hemisphere.”
Yusimi said that the main purpose of the corpus callosum is to allow the two hemispheres to work simultaneously and make the transition of thoughts and movements smoother and easier to perform.
Some people’s characteristic traits can show dominance in one hemisphere over the other, thus why people may feel more inclined to solve problems or paint.
Cachinero says that even though there is no connection, he doesn’t feel like one hemisphere rules over the other.
“I like math, art and science all the same,” Cachinero said. “I feel like I am pretty average at all of them.”
In Cachinero’s case, the lack of connection between the right and left hemispheres results in symptoms of ACC such as minor vision and hearing impairments, cognitive problems and minor delays in motor skills. His muscle tone is lower than most boys his age, and he has a slight bow in his legs, but he is able to walk without assistance.
“Matthew didn’t walk on his own until he was almost six years old,” Cachienero’s mother, Roxanna, said. “The constant physical therapy really helped to reshape his legs and make them strong enough to hold him up.”
Cachinero has had extensive genetic testing done to try to find the root of the rare issue, and nothing has ever been found.
“We have run every test in the book in hopes to find the root cause of this,” his mother said. “Usually, it has to do with genetics, but there is no genetic history of it in our family.”
Overtime, Cachinero has learned how to live with his symptoms of ACC and adapt to situations.
“I’ve been in speech therapy and physical therapy pretty much my entire life, and it’s really helped me,” said Cachinero. “At therapy, I have met others who have ACC like me, and it makes me feel lucky. I don’t have it as bad as they do.”
Cachinero’s mother is grateful that her son’s condition isn’t any worse.
“Most children born with ACC are severely disabled,” she said. “It’s crazy because even though he has this rare disorder, he is completely normal and functions perfectly. It is truly a miracle.”
