Corpus callosotomy

Corpus Callosotomy is a neurosurgical procedure that involves severing the corpus callosum, the largest white matter structure in the brain, which connects the two cerebral hemispheres. This procedure is typically performed to reduce the severity of seizures in patients with severe, intractable (hard-to-treat) epilepsy.

Indications

Corpus callosotomy is indicated for patients with severe, intractable epilepsy who have not responded to other treatments, such as antiepileptic drugs or other surgical procedures. The procedure is most commonly used in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that begins in childhood and is characterized by multiple types of seizures and intellectual disability.

Procedure

During a corpus callosotomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. A portion of the skull is removed to expose the brain, and the corpus callosum is carefully severed. The goal of the procedure is to prevent seizure activity from spreading from one hemisphere of the brain to the other, thereby reducing the severity and frequency of seizures.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, corpus callosotomy carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific to this procedure, there is a risk of disconnection syndrome, a condition in which the two hemispheres of the brain have difficulty communicating with each other. This can result in problems with coordination, speech, and memory.

Outcome

While corpus callosotomy does not cure epilepsy, it can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of seizures in many patients. Some patients may still require antiepileptic drugs after the procedure, but at lower doses.

See Also

• Epilepsy
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Neurosurgery
• Antiepileptic drugs

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