rhizotomy

n. a surgical procedure in which a spinal nerve root is severed within the spinal canal. A rhizotomy may be performed for the relief of pain or to control muscle spasms. The different types of rhizotomy include anterior rhizotomy, in which an anterior (motor) spinal nerve is cut; posterior rhizotomy, in which a posterior (sensory) spinal nerve is cut; and trigeminal rhizotomy, in which the sensory root fibers of the trigeminal nerve are transected.

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Psychology term of the day

February 28th 2025

hypnotic regression

a therapeutic technique in which an individual under hypnosis is induced to relive a previous experience that may be contributing to current emotional difficulties. There are two types of hypnotic regression: age regression and past-life regression.