Cingulotomy

A cingulotomy is a type of brain surgery used primarily to treat chronic pain caused by stroke, cancer, or spine injuries. Developed in the 1960s, a cingulotomy is when small lesions are deliberately made on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) which is responsible for chronic pain perception. Modern cingulotomies are performed using lasers and are considered safe and non-invasive. Regardless of this, cingulotomies are only performed when all other possible treatment options have been unsuccessful. Patients who undergo this treatment report being pain free afterwards or their pain being greatly reduced. The reduction of pain leads to a better quality of life due to reduced stress and anxiety and a need for fewer pain medications.