A craniotomy is a surgery where doctors make a small hole in the skull or take out a piece of bone to get to the brain. They use special tools to remove the bone, called a bone flap, and return it after the surgery. This lets them fix problems in the brain, like taking out a tumor or getting a sample of brain tissue.
What is craniognomy?
Craniognomy is an old study where people thought skull shape could tell about a person’s traits. But we now know this isn’t true.
Does craniognomy determine a child's abilities?
No, a child’s abilities are not determined by their skull’s shape, but rather the function and development of their brain.
Is craniognomy supported by modern science?
No, modern science does not support craniognomy. It emphasizes the brain’s function and development over skull shape.
Why is understanding brain function more important than craniognomy?
Brain function is what truly determines abilities and traits, not skull shape. Understanding it can help us better support a child’s growth.
Craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the skull to access the brain for surgical intervention. The procedure removes a portion of the skull, called a bone flap, to expose the brain tissue underneath. After the necessary surgical repair or intervention is completed, the bone flap is replaced and secured in its original position. Craniotomies are commonly performed to remove brain tumors, repair vascular abnormalities, treat traumatic brain injuries, or obtain brain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
Helpful Resources:
Craniotomies are used to treat various brain conditions in children, such as:
| Condition | Craniotomy Use |
|---|---|
| Brain tumor | Removal of cancerous or benign growths |
| Vascular abnormality | Repair of aneurysms or malformations |
| Traumatic brain injury | Removal of blood clots or repair of fractures |
Craniotomies provide neurosurgeons with direct access to the brain, allowing them to diagnose and treat various neurological conditions in children. While the procedure may seem daunting, it is often the best option for improving a child’s health and quality of life when other treatments have proven ineffective.
