| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Brain surgery treats lesions of the brain and its surrounding structures 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, after which 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 ) arteriovenous malformations (AVM; abnormal blood vessels) 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 |
| Risks | Risks for any anesthesia are: reactions to medications problems breathing Risks for any surgery are: bleeding infection Additional risks of brain surgery are: injury to brain tissue injury to blood vessels nerve or muscle paralysis or weakness loss of mental functions (memory, speech, understanding) |
| Expectations after surgery | The results depend greatly on the underlying disease being treated, the general health of the patient, the extent of the procedure and the surgical techniques employed. |
| Convalescence | Varies from 1 to 4 weeks. Full recovery may take up to 8 weeks. |
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