AWAKE CRANIOTOMY

What is an awake craniotomy?
A craniotomy is a kind of brain surgery that involves making an incision in the scalp, followed by a hole in the skull. This procedure can be conducted in order to remove tumours, remove abnormal tissues, remove an aneurysm or drain fluid from an infection. It is typically performed by removing a piece of bone from the skull and pulling back the membrane that covers the brain so that the surgeon can access and work on the brain tissue. After the brain surgery, the bone is put back in place before the scalp is stitched or stapled back together.

In some cases, parts of the procedure are performed while the patient is still awake, although medication will be administered to ensure that the patient remains calm and without pain throughout. The surgery is performed while the patient is awake so that the surgeon can stimulate certain parts of the brain to check for vital functions and motor control. During the surgery, the patient may also be asked to perform activities like counting and identifying pictures so that the surgeon can see which part of the brain is responsible for each type of task. Your responses will assist your surgeon in ensuring that the correct portion of your brain requires surgery. The surgery also reduces the risk of functional brain damage, which can impede your vision, mobility, and speech.

Why is an awake craniotomy performed?
Doctors must ensure that they do not damage an area of the brain that affects your language, speech, or motor skills if a tumour or section of your brain that causes seizures must be surgically removed. Before surgery, it's tough to pinpoint such locations precisely. Awake brain surgery allows the surgeon to pinpoint which parts of your brain control particular functions, allowing them to avoid them.

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