Awake Craniotomy: Playing Violin During Brain Surgery
What is an Awake Craniotomy?
An awake craniotomy is a type of brain surgery where the patient is awake for part of the procedure. This allows neurosurgeons to map the brain and avoid damaging areas that control important functions like vision, movement, or speech.
Why is an Awake Craniotomy Performed?
Awake craniotomies are typically performed when tumors or epileptic seizures requiring surgery are located near parts of the brain that control critical functions. By having the patient awake and responsive, neurosurgeons can ensure that these functions are preserved during surgery.
How is an Awake Craniotomy Performed?
Before surgery, patients undergo a detailed brain mapping process using a technique called functional MRI. This helps neurosurgeons identify the areas of the brain that are active when the patient performs specific tasks, such as playing the violin.
During surgery, the patient is brought back to consciousness when the tumor is being operated on. The patient is closely monitored by anesthetists and a therapist while playing their instrument or performing other tasks. This allows neurosurgeons to assess the patient’s neurological function and make any necessary adjustments to the surgical plan.
Benefits of Awake Craniotomy
Awake craniotomies offer several benefits over traditional brain surgeries where the patient is fully anesthetized. These benefits include:
- Preservation of brain function: Awake craniotomies allow neurosurgeons to preserve important brain functions, such as fine motor skills, by mapping the brain and avoiding damaging critical areas.
- Reduced risk of complications: By having the patient awake during surgery, neurosurgeons can monitor the patient’s neurological function and respond quickly to any potential complications.
- Faster recovery time: Patients who undergo awake craniotomies typically have shorter recovery times than those who undergo traditional brain surgeries.
Case Study: Violinist Plays During Brain Surgery
One notable case of an awake craniotomy involved a violinist named Dagmar Turner. Turner had a tumor growing in her brain near an area that controls the fine movements of her left hand. To preserve her ability to play the violin, Turner’s neurosurgical team used functional MRI to map the areas of her brain that were active when she played.
During surgery, Turner was brought back to consciousness and played her violin while the tumor was being removed. This allowed the neurosurgeons to avoid damaging the areas of her brain responsible for her fine motor skills. As a result, Turner was able to regain full function in her left hand and continue playing the violin.
Conclusion
Awake craniotomies are a valuable surgical technique that allows neurosurgeons to preserve important brain functions while removing tumors or treating other conditions. By having the patient awake and responsive during surgery, neurosurgeons can monitor the patient’s neurological function and make any necessary adjustments to the surgical plan. This results in better outcomes for patients and a faster recovery time.
