Thalamotomy

thalamotomy /thal·a·mot·o·my/ (thal?ah-mot´ah-me) a stereotaxic surgical technique for the discrete destruction of specific groups of cells within the thalamus, as for the relief of pain, for relief of tremor and rigidity in paralysis agitans, or in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders.

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thal·a·mot·o·my (thl-mt-m)

n.

Destruction of a portion of the thalamus by stereotaxis to relieve tremor.

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Thalamotomy

A surgical procedure that destroys part of a large oval area of gray matter within the brain that acts as a relay center for nerve impulses. The thalamus is an essential part of the nerve pathway that controls intentional movement. By destroying tissue at a particular spot on the thalamus, the surgeon can interrupt the nerve signals that cause tremor.

Mentioned in: Tremors