Tractotomy Health Dictionary

A neurological operation to relieve intractable PAIN. The thalamic tracts of the SPINAL CORD contain the nerve-?bres that signal pain. They travel from the source of the pain – in an organ or tissue such as skin or bone – via the cord to the brain stem and cortex (see BRAIN) where the individual becomes ‘conscious’ of the pain. The operation aims to sever these tracts within the medulla oblongata of the brain.

n. a neurosurgical operation for the relief of intractable pain. The nerve fibres that carry painful sensation to consciousness travel from the spinal cord through the brainstem in the spinothalamic tracts. This procedure is designed to sever the tracts within the medulla oblongata. See also cordotomy.