Burr Hole Surgery

A Burr Hole surgery is done to remove blood clots that are present around the surface of the brain. When the clots are found beneath the firm covering of the brain, known as Dura Mater, it is called as Subdural Hematoma.

Usually when the hemorrhage is about moderately old, like about 2 – 3 weeks, the clot can be punctured and drained out by making a small hole in the skull, this avoiding opening of the skull.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms associated with blood clots include:

• Headaches
• Speech Changes
• Paralysis (partial or wholly)
• Dizziness

Procedure

The patient will be administered with general anesthesia and the head would be partly shaven to expose the operative area of the skull. Then surgeon then makes an incision on the scalp over the area of the Hematoma.  The surgeon then uses an air powered drill to make a hole in the skull. The tough covering of the brain, Dura Mater, is now opened. The clot which is now visible to the surgeon is then removed and the surgeon may pass a drain around the brain to provide post operative drainage.

The scalp is then closed.

Associated Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Some of them are:

• Non-healing of the scalp
• Brain injury
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Stroke
• Coma
• Death
• Risks of Anesthesia

Recovery

The doctor may not advice bed rest after the surgery, but strenuous activities should be avoided.  Driving and Running should be avoided and walking is definitely encouraged. Any symptoms of weakness, seizure or fluid oozing from the wound should immediately be reported to the Doctor.