Awake brain surgery—also called awake craniotomy—sounds intimidating, but it’s one of the most powerful tools neurosurgeons use to safely remove tumors near critical brain regions.
Why Perform Brain Surgery While the Patient Is Awake?
Certain areas of the brain control speech, movement, and sensation. When a tumor sits close to these regions, surgeons need real-time feedback to avoid injuring essential pathways.
Awake surgery allows the patient to perform simple tasks—like talking, moving fingers, or naming objects—so the surgical team can monitor function.
How the Procedure Works
- The patient is sedated while the skull is opened painlessly.
- Sedation is reduced once the brain is ready to be mapped.
- The patient participates in tasks guided by a neuropsychologist.
- The surgeon removes the tumor while avoiding areas that trigger changes in speech or movement.
- Sedation is restarted for the closing phase.
Benefits of Awake Brain Surgery
- Maximizes safe tumor removal
- Preserves essential brain functions
- Reduces the risk of postoperative deficits
- Shortens recovery time for many patients
Conditions Commonly Treated With Awake Craniotomy
- Brain tumors near speech or motor areas
- Epilepsy surgery
- Certain vascular malformations
Awake brain surgery is an extraordinary example of patient-centered innovation—offering better outcomes by protecting what makes us who we are.
