If you or your family member experience extreme seizures due to epilepsy, in rare cases your doctor may recommend surgery (corpus callostomy) to cut the fibers (corpus callosum) between the brain’s two hemispheres to reduce seizures. While the corpus callosum helps the brain share information, it can also contribute to the spread of seizures in people with epilepsy.

Corpus callosotomy is a procedure that cuts these fibers to prevent the spread of seizures from one side of the brain to the other. This procedure typically doesn’t stop seizures from occurring, but seizures usually become less severe because they can’t spread to both hemispheres.

Corpus callosotomy is usually only used for people with the most extreme forms of epilepsy, such as:

• Seizures characterized by drop attacks.
• Seizures that spread to both brain hemispheres.
• Seizures that don’t respond well to medication. 

To help decide if surgery is right for you, epilepsy specialists in the Sutter network may order tests and imaging. These may involve brain scans, memory tests and an EEG to record your brainwave activity.

During Surgery

The corpus callosotomy begins with a procedure called a craniotomy. This involves exposing the brain through incisions in the scalp and removing a piece of the skull. Then the surgeon pulls back a section of the dura, the tough membrane covering the brain. The surgeon then begins cutting the corpus callosum.

Occasionally, a corpus callosotomy involves two phases. The first phase involves cutting only the front two-thirds of the corpus callosum. This allows the hemispheres to share visual information. The second phase will only be performed if the first doesn’t lessen the severity of your seizures. The second phase cuts the remaining section of the corpus callosum.

After the procedure is complete, the dura and bone are put back into place and the scalp is closed with stitches or staples.

After Surgery

Most patients typically stay in the hospital for two to four days and are able to return to their normal activities in six to eight weeks.

You’ll have regular follow-up visits with the Epilepsy Program to track your progress. Once your doctors are satisfied your seizures have lessened in severity, we may work with you on a plan to reduce your anti-seizure medications if possible.

If your seizures have not lessened in severity and you only completed phase one of the corpus callosotomy, we may schedule you for phase two of the procedure.

Other Considerations

You’ll need a referral for corpus callosotomy, but the process is covered by most insurance plans.

All surgeries carry risks, so talk to your neurologist about the treatment and any side effects you may have.