From the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s, over 50,000 lobotomies were performed in the United States. Wal
From the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s, over 50,000 lobotomies were performed in the United States. Walter Freeman performed over 3,400 lobotomies himself. Dr. Freeman became well-known for the pre-orbital lobotomy. The procedure began with electric shock that took the place of anesthesia, followed by the insertion of an ice-pick like instrument through a person’s tear duct in his or her eye socket, hammering through the scull, and piercing into the brain several inches. Freeman then wiggled the “ice pick” back and forth in the prefrontal cortex section of the brain, severing connections. He then repeated the process in the other eye socket. The whole procedure took around 10 minutes.Medical experts at the time viewed it as a “surgery for the soul,” one which could treat everything from mild depression to schizophrenia. It was used for any ailment from a migraine to postpartum depression. Freeman’s patients often had to be retaught how to eat and use the bathroom. He did not wear gloves, nor a mask during his procedures. He lobotomized 19 minors, the youngest patient was 4 years old. -- source link
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