Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
amygdalotomy

amygdalotomy

9.9
A brain operation that cuts part of the brain called the amygdala to reduce extreme violent behaviour
  • noun
  • /əˌmɪɡdəˈlɑːtəmi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : amigdalotomía
  • The doctor performed an amygdalotomy to help manage the patient's aggression.

Examples

  • Researchers discussed the ethical implications of performing amygdalotomy on individuals with severe aggression.

  • Due to its risks, amygdalotomy is rarely performed in modern neurosurgery.

  • The patient underwent an amygdalotomy after other treatments failed to control his violent behavior.

  • After the amygdalotomy, the patient showed significant improvement.

  • The doctors proceeded with an amygdalotomy to help control his violent outbursts.

  • After the amygdalotomy, the patient's aggression significantly decreased.

  • She underwent an amygdalotomy as a last resort to manage her severe behavioral issues.

Synonyms

psychosurgery
vsamygdalotomy
  • Specialized
1 9.6

An operation on the brain to treat very serious mental problems when other treatments fail

is a specific operation that cuts amygdala fibres to reduce extreme violent symptoms

Surface Forms

amygdalotomy singular
amygdalotomies plural

Morphology

amygdalotomy = amygdala (semi-transparent) = amygdal + otomy

The structure 'amygdala' + medical suffix '-otomy' yields a literal surgical meaning, but '-otomy' is a technical combining form unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

The word amygdalotomy comes from amygdala, a Greek word meaning 'almond' because that part of the brain looks like a small almond, and the ending -otomy means 'to cut', as in lobotomy. So an amygdalotomy is literally 'cutting the almond' part of the brain, which is why the word refers to a surgical cut in the amygdala to try to reduce extreme violent behavior.