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Awake brain surgery is a procedure that is performed on the brain when the patient is awake and alert. Dr Manish Baldia, Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, explained, “This approach allows the neurosurgeon to monitor and preserve vital brain functions, especially those related to speech, movement and sensation, during the operation. The doctor checks for improvement in symptoms and confirms with the patient during the DBS surgery.”
Why is awake brain surgery performed?
Monitor FunctionBy asking the patient to perform specific tasks (such as speaking, moving a limb, or identifying objects), surgeons can identify critical areas of the brain and target them.
Maximize securityEnsuring that essential brain functions are preserved reduces the risk of post-operative deficiencies.
Also read: Silent brain strokes: What are they? Why do they happen?
Precisely implant deep brain stimulation (DBS) leadsChecking for improvement in symptoms in DBS surgery is an important part of the procedure. DBS surgery is often performed while the patient is awake, allowing the surgical team to directly assess the effects of stimulation on the patient’s symptoms in real time.
Who needs awake brain surgery?
This procedure is typically recommended for patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremors, function-specific dystonia, brain tumors or epilepsy that are located near areas that control essential functions such as speech, movement or the senses. By performing the surgery while the patient is awake, doctors can better navigate these sensitive areas.
What happens during surgery?
unconsciousness: The patient will be given a local anesthesia to numb the scalp and medications to relax them. General anesthesia may be used initially, but the patient will be kept awake for the important parts.
craniotomyThe surgeon makes an incision in the skull and removes a section of the skull to access the brain.
MappingWhile the patient is awake, the surgical team stimulates certain parts of the brain to tell them to work. This helps them identify critical areas and avoid them.
tumor or lesion removalUsing the mapping information, the surgeon removes the targeted tissue.
ClosureAfter the procedure is complete, the skull piece is replaced and the incision is closed. The patient will then be completely sedated or kept conscious, depending on the situation.
Also Read: Brain fog: Is vitamin deficiency affecting your cognitive function?
Risks and benefits:
benefitsConfirmation of accurately implanted DBS leads in the target nucleus by checking the results. Better preservation of vital functions, optimized removal of problematic tissues, lower risk of neurological deficits are some of the benefits of performing awake brain surgery.
risk: Like any surgery, there are risks involved such as infection, bleeding, seizures, or reactions to medications. However, careful monitoring helps minimize these risks.
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