[Effect od amygdalectomy on memory and learning in patients treated surgically for epilepsy]

The results of neuropsychological investigations of 40 patients with severe epilepsy and behaviour disturbances treated by stereotactic methods are presented. In all cases memory disturbances were found before the operation, in 45% of the cases mental sluggishness was present. After amygdalotomy, together with a reduction of emotional tension and psychomotor agitation, the range of direct memory extended and difficulties in learning verbal material decreased. In some patients a tendency was observed also for a rise in intelligence quotient.