WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Corpus callosotomy

Corpus callosotomy is a type of surgery that disconnects the two sides (hemispheres) of the brain. It is used most often on children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that causes frequent seizures and mental retardation and does not respond well to drug therapy.

Corpus callosotomy is not a cure for epilepsy, but prevents generalized seizures in most of those who have the surgery. Partial seizures do not respond as well to this type of surgery and may actually get worse after surgery.

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Theresa O'Young, PharmD
- Clinical Pharmacist
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven C. Schachter, MD
- Neurology
Last Updated October 29, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 29, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.