Functions of the corpus callosum: observations from callosotomy performed for intractable epilepsy

Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1989 Jan;65(1):53-9.

Abstract

The effects of complete and partial corpus callosotomy in 6 patients are reported. Only the 2 cases undergoing total callosotomy showed evidence of impaired interhemispheric sensory transfer, related to sectioning of the splenium. Only mild long-lasting neuropsychological deficits were detected. Post-commissurotomy mutism and akinesia appeared in 4 cases, 2 with total, and 2 with partial anterior callosotomy. The short-and long-term effects of corpus callosotomy appear to be related to the extent of the section the creation of lesions during the surgical procedure, and a peculiar organization of cognitive functions in chronic epileptic patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Akinetic Mutism / etiology*
  • Akinetic Mutism / physiopathology
  • Corpus Callosum / physiopathology
  • Corpus Callosum / surgery*
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Epilepsy / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Mutism / etiology*
  • Mutism / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prognosis