What is Corpus callosotomy?
Corpus callosotomy is a surgery performed on the brain of a patient suffering from seizures caused by epilepsy. Corpus callosum is a white strip of fibers that connect the left and right hemisphere of the brain. Electrical impulses travel back and forth via corpus callosum to achieve each side of the brain. When abnormal impulses lead to a seizure, a seizure can cross corpus callosum and include the entire brain.
During the partial procedure of corpus callosotomy, the neurosurgeon proceeds continuous two -thirds of the Corpus callosum fibers. The rear one -third is left intact and the brain tissue is not removed. The removal of the anterior area disrupts communication between two halves of the brain, which usually leads to a significant reduction in the number of seizures experienced by the patient.
Corpus callosotomy is usually performed in patients who are unable to control their seizures of medication. Before planning a surgery, the doctor must undergo a complete history of patient seizures, along with what drugs have been tested. The patient mustAlso undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), so the neurosurgeon may have a complete view of the brain. Electroencephalogram (EEG) in which the electrodes are connected to the skull is done to try to find a source of seizures. Neuropsychological testing is also performed to determine which areas of motor skills for brain control, such as language, speech and writing.
After completing the test, the surgeon plans the patient for surgery. Surgery is performed when the patient is under general anesthesia. At the top of the skull is cut and a piece of bone is removed to detect the brain area between the two hemispheres. Both hemispheres are finely stretched and corpus callosum is cut longitudinally. The bone is replaced by the brain and the cut is closed.
The patient is likely to have a week's stay in the hospital, followed by several weeks of recovery at home. During this time the patient should avoid any namaped by an amarable activity or heavy lifting. Drugs against the tour may still be necessary, but the number and severity of seizures should be significantly reduced. Partial corpus callosotomy was most successful in patients suffering from atonic seizures in which the body is limping and the patient falls to the ground.
If partial corpus callosotomy does not ease the patient's seizures, the rear of the fibers can be cut off in the so -called corpus callosotomy. Since communication between the halves of the brain is completely interrupted, the patient may experience more side effects and changes in the function of the engine. Changes in language or coordination of hands would most likely be temporary, but these risks should be discussed with the surgeon before surgery.