The skull protects the brain from physical damage and, while important, is a barrier to treatment. Brain surgery carries many risks because of the difficulties in accessing the brain. In some situations, a condition which could easily respond to treatment in one part of the body, is rendered untreatable because of its location in the brain. Brain surgery is not always chosen in a given situation, because the risks can outweigh the rewards.
History
Archaeological evidence suggests, according to the Public Broadcasting Service, that primitive brain surgery has occurred since 2000 B.C. In that time, the physician would drill a large hole in the patient’s skull to examine it for infections, relieve brain pressure and for headaches. As technology has advanced, so have the results of brain surgery. With the sterilization of rooms and equipment in hospitals today, brain surgery is no doubt much more effective than in the first brain surgeries ever performed.
Conditions for Brain Surgery
Conditions that require brain surgery are often abnormal growths, bleeding of the brain or other head trauma that is otherwise not affected by medications. Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, lists several situations where brain surgery may be the preferred choice of treatment, including: skull fractures, tumor removal, infections of the brain, brain aneurysm, pressure on the brain from an injury, seizures and Parkinson’s disease.
Recovery
Depending on the extent of the operation, recovering from brain surgery may require rehabilitation or physical therapy. Headaches, itching, fatigue, short-term memory loss and emotional changes may be present for a short time up to a much longer time after the surgery.
Potential Problems
When operating on the brain, the potential for damaging an area unrelated to the operation exists. This could include damage to areas that control speech, muscle movement or other functions controlled by the brain. The incision required for brain surgery puts the patient at risk for infections. A clean environment, both during and after surgery, can reduce the chances of a bacterial infection at the wound site.
Considerations
Surgery on the brain, no matter the experience and skill level of the doctor, always comes with risks. Parameters for an operation on brain tumors depend on the location, size and type of tumor, according to the MayoClinic.com. A tumor that is too close to the spinal cord, for instance, may pose a greater risk of removal, than the benefit of it being removed. In cases like this, and when the brain tumor isn’t growing aggressively, brain surgery may not be performed.
A second opinion from another doctor is also advisable for complicated procedures. A good doctor will not take offense to a patient seeking secondary consultation, and the advising doctor may have a better procedure and other useful information.
