The idea of surgery may be frightening. But when other treatments fail to provide
adequate seizure control, your doctor may recommend surgery to help improve your
loved one's condition.
Corpus callosotomy
A corpus callosotomy is a procedure that cuts the nerve bridge connecting the two
hemispheres of the brain. This bridge, known as the corpus callosum, is separated
to confine epileptic discharges to one side of the brain. This reduces generalized
seizures.76
Your doctor may recommend corpus callosotomy if there is:
- No single focus
- Inoperable focus
- Generalized seizures
- Atonic seizures ("drop attacks")77
Some type of seizure activity will continue after the operation, but effects are
generally less severe.
Although corpus callosotomy is effective in reducing drop attacks, it does not usually
help other seizure types. Some type of seizure activity on one or both sides
will continue after the operation, but the effects are generally less severe than
the repeated drop attacks or convulsions.78 Complete freedom from seizures
following corpus callosotomy is rare but can occur.79
References
76 Epilepsy Foundation. "Treatment Options: Surgery." Web. Accessed
August 21, 2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/surgery/benefitsrisks.cfm
77 Epilepsy Foundation. "Treatment Options: Surgery." Web. Accessed
August 21, 2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/surgery/benefitsrisks.cfm
78 Epilepsy Foundation. "Treatment Options: Surgery." Web. Accessed
August 21, 2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/surgery/benefitsrisks.cfm
79 Glauser, Tracy A. MD. "Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Treatment and Medication."
eMedicine. April 10, 2006. Web. Accessed August 21, 2009. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-treatment