Want To Be fearless? Spoiler: It’s Not Worth It.
A surgical procedure called a selective amygdalohippocampectomy removes half of the brain’s amygdala — and with it, the patient’s sense of fear.
Amygdalohippocampectomy — what does it mean?
Let’s break it down, shall we?
To begin with, the Amygdala — is an almond-shaped group of cells near the base of the brain present in a pair. Infamously responsible for fear, anxiety and aggression beside playing a part in the processing of memory, decision-making and emotional responses. Forging ahead Amygdalohippocampectomy (or Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy) also known as amygdalotomy historically had two main indications: to treat certain types of epilepsy, and to control aggression, mostly in patients with mental illness and intellectual disability. But it’s evident that its removal may result in a faintly fearless human.
So yes, in theory, you could have your amygdala removed and might become fearless (technically).
Okay then? What’s the catch?
At this point, we don’t have enough studies to validate this statement. A death rate of 3.8% occurred in one study of the patients who received the procedure for aggression, studies reported beneficial effects in most cases with relatively few side-effects. Also in the majority of cases, things went sideways, resulting in severe side-effect like extreme panic-attack even in response to inhaling CO2!
So should you get your almonds removed? (pun intended)
Probably not, Amygdalohippocampectomy is a clinical procedure meant for patients with mental illness and intellectual disability, not a fancy cyberpunk upgrade! Even if you are stubborn, finding a doctor who is willing to operate will not be that easy.
Final verdict:
A fearless life might be a curtailed one! Maybe there is a reason as to why evolution gave us the amygdala. Maybe fear really is necessary for survival. Still, I would love to hear your take on the amygdala!
