corpus callosotomy
Pronunciation: CORE-pus cal-o-SOT-o-me
Neurosurgical procedure involving sectioning of the corpus callosum to prevent seizure spread between brain hemispheres.
Full Definition
Corpus callosotomy is a palliative neurosurgical procedure that involves partial or complete surgical division of the corpus callosum, the major fiber bundle connecting the two brain hemispheres. This procedure is primarily performed in patients with severe, medically refractory epilepsy characterized by drop attacks or generalized tonic-clonic seizures that cannot be controlled with other treatments. By interrupting interhemispheric connections, callosotomy prevents seizures from spreading from one hemisphere to the other, often reducing seizure severity even if frequency remains unchanged. The procedure may cause disconnection syndrome as a side effect.
Usage
Usage note: Two words; distinguish from other epilepsy surgery types; may be partial or complete.
In Context
- "Corpus callosotomy significantly reduced the frequency of drop attacks in this patient." — Post-surgical follow-up
- "The two-stage corpus callosotomy procedure minimized the risk of disconnection syndrome." — Surgical planning note