Corpus callosotomy
Corpus Callosotomy
Corpus callosotomy (pronounced: KOR-pus kah-lo-SOT-uh-mee), also known as callosal section, is a type of neurosurgery that involves severing part or all of the corpus callosum. This procedure is primarily used to reduce the severity of certain types of seizures.
Etymology
The term "corpus callosotomy" is derived from Latin and Greek roots. "Corpus" is Latin for "body", and "callosum" is derived from the Greek word "kallós", meaning "hard", and the Latin suffix "-tomy", meaning "cutting". Thus, the term essentially means "cutting the hard body", referring to the severing of the corpus callosum.
Procedure
During a corpus callosotomy, the neurosurgeon makes an incision in the scalp and creates a small hole in the skull. The surgeon then uses special tools to cut the corpus callosum, the thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Indications
Corpus callosotomy is most commonly used to treat individuals with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy who have frequent generalized seizures. The procedure is typically considered only after other treatment options, such as medications and other types of surgery, have been tried and have not been successful.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, corpus callosotomy carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific to this procedure, there is a risk of neurological deficits, such as problems with memory, language, and coordination.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Corpus callosotomy
- Wikipedia's article - Corpus callosotomy
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