Southern California Brain Trauma Craniotomy at the Chapman Medical Center

Craniotomy Procedure for Brain Trauma

When someone suffers a brain trauma, one of the most successful treatments for a head injury is a craniotomy.  Relieving pressure on the brain after a head injury is vital to the survival of a patient, as severe pressure on the brain can cause death rather rapidly.

A craniotomy performed for a brain trauma requires general anesthesia, along with different types of medications to help prevent seizures and reduce swelling.   A patient's head is held immobile in a position for easy access to the site of the trauma.  The head is then prepped for surgery and an incision in the scalp area is performed to expose the skull.  Burr holes are then drilled into the skull outlining the area where a portion of the skull will be cut away so the surgeon can view the area of trauma to the brain.

The findings of the doctor upon inspection of the exposed area may reveal either a blood clot or some type of infection.  The surgeon will either remove the blood clot or drain the area and repair any bleeding vessels.  The skull piece that was removed will then be put back in place using small plates and screws.  If skin staples are used to suture the scalp back together, they will be removed approximately 7 days after the surgery.

Because of the possible trauma from a brain injury, patients may spend some time in inpatient rehabilitation or at other medical facilities while they receive ongoing treatment as needed.  Recovery is usually slow and a patient should work at gradually recovering strength and mobility following such a surgery.

Quality Patient Care in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego

The Southern California Center for Neuroscience and Spine at the Chapman Medical Center strives for the finest quality patient care through our innovative techniques and highly skilled neurosurgeons.  With their vast experience in this field, any patients treated at our facility can feel confident we will seek the least invasive procedures.

Contact Southern California Center for Neuroscience and Spine at Chapman Medical Center for more information.