Definition of Brain surgery:

Brain surgery treats lesions of the brain and the structures around it through an opening (craniotomy) in the skull (cranium).

Description:

The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. The scalp is cleansed and prepared for surgery. An incision is made through the scalp and a hole is drilled through the skull. A piece of the skull is removed (usually temporarily) and the surgery is performed. Then the bone is replaced and secured in place.

Indications:

Brain surgery may be needed to treat:

• Brain tumors
• Bleeding (hemorrhage) or blood clots (hematomas) from injuries (subdural hematoma or epidural hematomas)
• Weaknesses in blood vessels (cerebral aneurysms)
• Abnormal blood vessels (arteriovenous malformations; AVM)
• Damage to tissues covering the brain (dura)
• Pockets of infection in the brain (brain abscesses)
• Severe nerve or facial pain (such as trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux)
• Trauma to the skull and repair of skull fractures
• Some forms of seizure disorders (epilepsy)