A neurosurgeon said head transplants could be possible by the year 2030. Transplant surgery has become like science fiction. Organ transplants and face transplants are now common. The next decade could see whole heads being transplanted. The neurosurgeon explained why he believes this is possible. He was working with an author on a science fiction novel. He said: "Initially, our intention was just to brainstorm an idea and it seemed rather silly, but then I realised, it actually isn't. If you transplant the brain and spinal cord together, it's not impossible."
The neurosurgeon has performed over 10,000 operations. He said head transplants would only be possible if the head was accompanied by its spinal cord. Advances in spinal cord surgery, robotics and stem cell transplants mean this could be possible before 2030. The neurosurgeon said: "Keeping the spinal cord in one piece has always been totally daunting." He also believes that consciousness could move with the head and spinal cord from one body to another. The technology could treat spinal cord injuries and diseases like muscular dystrophy.