LEUKOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Leukotomy, also known as a lobotomy, is a neurosurgical procedure that involves the removal or severing of certain nerve fibers in the brain's prefrontal cortex. This procedure was primarily used in the early to mid-20th century as a treatment for various psychiatric disorders, such as severe depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
The goal of a leukotomy is to alter the connections in the brain in order to relieve symptoms associated with mental illness. It is typically performed by drilling holes in the skull and inserting a special instrument or wire to cut or remove the targeted nerves. The procedure was believed to reduce emotional disturbances and stabilize the patient's mental state.
However, leukotomy is generally considered an antiquated and controversial form of treatment due to its severe consequences. Although it was initially thought to be effective in reducing some symptoms, it also often resulted in significant cognitive impairments and personality changes. These adverse effects led to the decline of lobotomies as more effective and less invasive treatments, such as medications and psychotherapy, became available.
Due to the negative long-term outcomes and ethical concerns associated with leukotomy, it is no longer performed as a standard psychiatric treatment. Instead, it serves as a historical reminder of the evolution of psychiatric medicine and the importance of ethical considerations in medical interventions.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOTOMY
- keukotomy
- peukotomy
- oeukotomy
- lwukotomy
- lsukotomy
- ldukotomy
- lrukotomy
- l4ukotomy
- l3ukotomy
- leykotomy
- lehkotomy
- lejkotomy
- leikotomy
- le8kotomy
- le7kotomy
- leujotomy
- leumotomy
- leulotomy
- leuootomy
Etymology of LEUKOTOMY
The word "leukotomy" is derived from the Greek terms "leukos" meaning "white" and "tomē" meaning "a cutting". The term was coined in the 1930s by Portuguese neurologist Egas Moniz, who developed a surgical procedure involving the removal or destruction of the white matter in the brain to treat certain psychiatric disorders. The procedure was later modified and became commonly known as "lobotomy".
Similar spelling word for LEUKOTOMY
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