psychosurgery procedures Flashcards
What is a pre-frontal leucotomy?
A procedure performed on the frontal lobe to alleviate severe mental health symptoms such as depression and OCD
It involves drilling holes into the skull and destroying nerve fibers.
What is the main goal of a pre-frontal leucotomy?
To relieve patients of their distressing thoughts and behaviors
It aims to interrupt nerve pathways that transmit distressing thoughts.
How is a pre-frontal leucotomy performed?
By drilling holes in the skull and inserting an instrument resembling an ice-pick
This instrument destroys nerve fibers in the frontal lobe.
What are the symptoms that a pre-frontal leucotomy helps alleviate?
- Severe mental health conditions
- Depression
- OCD
These conditions can cause significant distress and impairment.
What is a transorbital lobotomy?
A procedure that accesses the frontal lobes without going through the skull
It uses an orbitoclast tool to reach the prefrontal cortex.
What steps are involved in a transorbital lobotomy?
- Patient is knocked unconscious for 5 to 10 minutes
- Surgeon breaks the bone to reach the prefrontal cortex
- Instrument is moved back and forth to sever connections
This procedure is performed on both hemispheres of the brain.
True or False: A transorbital lobotomy requires a surgical incision through the skull.
False
It accesses the brain through the eye socket instead.
Fill in the blank: The instrument used in a transorbital lobotomy is called an _______.
[orbitoclast].
What is Bilateral Cingulotomy?
A procedure targeting specific brain areas to treat severe OCD and major depression
It targets the cingulate gyrus and frontal lobes.
What brain areas are targeted during Bilateral Cingulotomy?
Cingulate gyrus and frontal lobes
The cingulate gyrus regulates emotion and pain.
What surgical technique is used in Bilateral Cingulotomy?
Stereotactic surgery
This technique helps locate the cingulate gyrus.
What is the role of the fine electrode or gamma knife in Bilateral Cingulotomy?
To make small lesions in the targeted brain areas
This is done bilaterally, affecting both sides of the brain.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
A procedure where wires are threaded through the skull without tissue destruction
It involves embedding wires in the brain connected to a battery pack.
What does the battery pack in Deep Brain Stimulation do?
Produces a high frequency current that interrupts brain circuitry
This is adjustable based on the patient’s needs.
What conditions can be treated with Deep Brain Stimulation?
OCD, depression, and Parkinson’s disease
The treatment is condition-dependent regarding electrode placement.
