Craniotomy
| Normal anatomy |
|
The brain is located inside the cranium. The cranium is a set of
bones which makes up the skull, and protects and holds the
brain. |
| Indication |
|
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)
- 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)
- Epilepsy
|
| Procedure |
|
The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. An incision is made
through the scalp and a hole is drilled through the skull. A piece
of the skull may be removed while the brain is being operated on
and replaced before the skin is stitched closed. The surgery in
which the brain is accessed through the skull is called
"craniotomy". |
| Aftercare |
|
The results depend on the source, severity, and location of the
problem. |
Review Date: 6/8/2008
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor
of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts
General Hospital.
The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
