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corpus callosotomy
A surgical procedure involving division of the corpus callosum to treat intractable epilepsy.
Full Definition
Corpus callosotomy is a palliative neurosurgical procedure primarily used to treat drop attacks and other seizure types in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. The surgery involves severing the corpus callosum, the large bundle of nerve fibers connecting the brain's hemispheres, to prevent seizure spread from one hemisphere to the other. This procedure can result in disconnection syndrome, where the hemispheres cannot communicate effectively.
Usage
Usage note: Sometimes abbreviated as 'callosotomy' in clinical notes.
In Context
- "The patient underwent corpus callosotomy for medically intractable drop seizures." — Surgical report
- "Post-callosotomy, the patient showed reduced seizure frequency but developed mild disconnection symptoms." — Follow-up assessment
Also known as
callosotomy
split-brain surgery
Don't confuse with
commissurotomy
hemispherectomy