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The procedure is done through an opening made (craniotomy) in the skull (cranium).
The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. An incision is made through the scalp. The incision may be made behind the hairline and in front of your ear, at the hairline near your neck, or elsewhere, based on where the problem in your brain is located. The scalp is pulled up. A hole is made on the skull with a drill and a piece of the skull is removed. Most of the time, this flap will be placed back after the surgery is over. This hole is used to access the problem, say an aneurysm or biopsy for a tumor or remove an abnormal part of your brain, or drain blood or an infection. In certain cases a microscope may be used during the procedure. An endoscopic surgery which is a minimal access procedure may be done in certain cases.
The surgeon may use MRI or CT scans to pin point the exact spot that needs to be treated.
The bone is usually replaced and secured in place using small metal plates, sutures, or wires. The bone flap may not be put back if your surgery involved a tumor or an infection, or if the brain was swollen. (This is called a craniectomy.)
Risks for surgery are as in any case are bleeding or infection.
Other 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)
The results depend on the disease being treated, the person's general health, the extent of the procedure, and the surgical techniques used.
The recovery time varies from 1 to 4 weeks. Full recovery may take up to 8 weeks. | 
