The Case of "Norman" The man referred to as "Norman" was a Frenchman who became famous for living a relatively normal life despite having almost no brain.
Hydrocephalus Condition Norman's condition was a result of hydrocephalus, a disorder where fluid accumulates in the brain, causing it to expand.
Loss of Brain Matter Despite having little to no brain matter, Norman was able to perform basic functions such as walking, talking, and engaging in daily activities, which baffled medical professionals.
His Ability to Function Norman had an almost entirely empty skull, with the exception of a thin layer of tissue around the edges.
Medical Mystery Norman's case is a medical mystery because it challenges conventional understanding of how the brain works.
Brain Plasticity His case highlighted the brain's remarkable plasticity – its ability to reorganize and adapt, even when significant portions are missing.
Scientific and Public Fascination Norman's story became widely discussed, inspiring both scientific research into the limits of human neuroplasticity and public interest in the complexities of the human brain.