pallidotomy

Posted By jennifer on August 23, 1998 at 22:22:13:







I am a neuropsychologist and I recently saw a patient who is 2 years s/p
right pallidotomy.  He reported a change (increase) in his sexual
functioning following this procedure.  He describes this change as a new
onset "sexual addiction" which is causing him considerable difficulty in
his marriage as he reports his wife is unable to satisfy his increased
desire and he is forced to seek sex outside his marriage.  My question is:
Are changes in sexual functioning ever reported following pallidotomy?
It seems plausible given that the surgery involves anatomy in the area of
the limbic system.