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Brain surgery

• Overview
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• Risks

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Craniotomy; Surgery - brain; Neurosurgery

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 )

• Review Date: 5/3/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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