amygdalotomy

Meaning

Surgical destruction of the amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure in the brain, typically performed to alleviate severe behavioral disorders or epilepsy.

Examples

• The neurosurgeon discussed the risks and potential benefits of an amygdalotomy with the patient's family.
• Advancements in non-invasive treatments have made the amygdalotomy a much rarer procedure than it was decades ago.