corpus callosotomy
Pronunciation: KOR-pus kal-oh-SOT-oh-mee
A surgical procedure involving division of the corpus callosum to prevent seizure spread between brain hemispheres.
Full Definition
Corpus callosotomy is a palliative epilepsy surgery that disconnects the two hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum, the major white matter tract connecting them. It is primarily used for patients with drop attacks (atonic seizures) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures that are not candidates for resective surgery. The procedure can be partial (anterior two-thirds) or complete, with partial callosotomy often tried first to minimize complications. While it rarely achieves seizure freedom, it can significantly reduce seizure severity and injury risk.
Usage
Usage note: Two words. Specify whether partial or complete when documenting procedure.
In Context
- "Corpus callosotomy was considered for the patient's frequent drop attacks causing injury." — Surgical evaluation
- "Post-corpus callosotomy evaluation showed reduction in generalized seizure frequency." — Surgical follow-up