A cingulotomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the brain called the cingulate gyrus is destroyed using a surgical instrument or by passing an electric current through it. The procedure is typically done as a treatment for certain psychiatric disorders, especially severe cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that have not responded to other treatments.


{Do Not Self-Medicate, Contact Your Doctor} 

This article is for information only and not for treatment. 

If you have any medical problem, consult a good doctor. 

If you follow these medical advices, do so at your own risk. 


The history of cingulotomy dates back to the early 20th century, when physicians began to experiment with surgical procedures as a treatment for mental illness. In the 1930s, Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, developed a procedure known as prefrontal lobotomy, which involved severing the connections between the prefrontal cortex and the rest of the brain. The procedure was widely used for a time but fell out of favor in the 1950s due to concerns about its effectiveness and side effects.


In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of physicians began to experiment with a new surgical procedure that targeted the cingulate gyrus. The procedure was initially used to treat chronic pain, but in the 1970s it began to be used as a treatment for severe cases of OCD. Over time, the procedure was refined and modified, and today it is typically done using advanced imaging techniques to guide the surgeon and minimize the risk of side effects.


Despite its long history, cingulotomy remains a controversial and rarely used procedure, due in part to concerns about its effectiveness and potential side effects, including changes in personality, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. As with any surgical procedure, the risks and benefits of cingulotomy must be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, and the decision to undergo the procedure should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.