Corpus callosotomy

Abstract

Corpus callosotomy is a palliative surgical procedure that is suitable for some patients with intractable seizures who are not candidates for focal resective surgery. The rationale for this procedure is based on the hypothesis that the corpus callosum is a critical pathway for interhemispheric spread of epileptic activity. Efficacy and relatively low permanent morbidity in corpus callosotomy for medically intractable epilepsy have been demonstrated by more than six decades of experience. Callosotomy best ameliorates drop attacks (tonic and atonic seizures), though tonic-clonic, absence, and frontal lobe complex partial seizures often respond as well. In addition to seizure reduction, behavior and quality of life may improve. Hence, callosotomy is justified as a therapy for appropriate patients with intractable epilepsy.