Woman Born Without Most of Her Brain Celebrates 20th Birthday, Defying Medical Expectations
OMAHA, Nebraska - Alex Simpson, a young woman from Nebraska, recently celebrated her 20th birthday, an event doctors said would never happen. Diagnosed shortly after birth with hydranencephaly - a rare neurological disorder characterized by the absence of most of the brain’s cerebral hemispheres – Alex was given only months to live and told she would not survive past the age of five.
Two months after her birth, Alex’s parents were informed of the devastating diagnosis by doctors who warned her prognosis was grim. Despite this, the Simpson family held onto hope, attributing their strength to faith. “Twenty years ago we were afraid, but I think it was faith that really kept us alive,” Shawn Simpson, Alex’s father, told local television station KETV.
Hydranencephaly results in a importent lack of cerebrospinal fluid, essentially meaning most of the brain is non-existent. Yet, Alex continues to defy expectations. Her case gained attention when she celebrated her 10th birthday in November 2015.
While medical literature, including the African Journal of Neurological Sciences, indicates a longevity record of 32 years for individuals with hydranencephaly, those cases typically involve a vegetative state. Alex’s family reports she exhibits awareness and emotional responses. “Imagine someone being stressed in his presence. Nothing will even happen – it could be complete silence – but Alex will know. She will feel something,” says her brother.
