Abstract

Stereotaxic amygdalotomy for the control of unmanageable behavior and/or intractable seizures is a controversial treatment approach with unknown risk-to-benefit ratios. Information about this subject was obtained from a retrospective follow-up study of 58 patients who received this form of treatment 1 to 11 years earlier (average 6 years). Assessments of the patients were made by invesgators external to the surgical treatment system, using structured psychiatric interviews, neuropsychological tests, and EEGs. In addition, global assessments were made, comparing pre- versus postoperative status. The objective data revealed no indication of worsening or damage with similar pre- and postoperative test scores and EEG features. Computer-scored interviews revealed considerable psychopathology in the ambulatory patients. Overall judgments of behavior, seizures, and functional levels indicated that more than a third of the group was probably improved, although the relationship of outcome to the surgery was indeterminate.