Without saying anything, Krista and Tatiana can see through each other’s eyes, taste what each other eats, and comprehend each other’s thoughts. The Hogan twins, featured in the documentary Inseparable, are unique in the world. A thalamic bridge connects their brains at the skull base, giving them neurological abilities that scientists are just starting to understand.
“We didn’t know whether they’d make it through the night,” their mother, Felicia Hogan, says. “Then it was 24 hours later, and they were still alive.” They still attend school, have a beloved pet, and are part of a large, loving family dedicated to making the most of every day.
“For them to remain here for ten years is simply a joy,” Hogan told HuffPost Canada in 2017. It made me so happy to see them reach their goal.”
Craniopagus twins connected at the head are exceedingly uncommon, occurring once per 2.5 million births. The majority of people do not survive the first 24 hours.
Krista and Tatiana Hogan were born on October 25, 2006, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The twins’ mental anatomy makes them one of a kind in the world. Their brains are linked by a thalamic bridge, which links the thalamus to the thalamus of the other.
The thalamus serves as a switchboard for sensory and motor impulses and manages consciousness.
“It was interesting to hear from them about how they can look through one other’s eyes or manipulate each other’s limbs,” Judith Pyke, the documentary’s director and executive producer said. But what’s more remarkable is how nicely they get along.”
Tatiana controls three arms and one leg, while Krista controls three legs and one arm. They can also independently operate their limbs.
Diabetes and epilepsy plague the girls. They must adhere to a stringent regimen of medications, blood tests, and insulin injections daily.
Despite being academically behind, they learn to read, write, and perform arithmetic. The sisters have very different personalities. Tatiana is loud, talkative, and high-strung, while Krista is calmer, more relaxed, and likes to crack jokes.
The girls like running around outside. They’ve learned to swim as well as play video games. They toboggan down slopes, cross-country ski, and ride a specially constructed bicycle.
