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Craniotomy
A guide for patients and carers
Why do I need a craniotomy?
A craniotomy is necessary to deal surgically with a number of abnormalities of the brain and its surrounding structures. The following are a few examples of the types of condition for which a craniotomy is commonly carried out.
Severe head injury which results in a blood clot pressing on the brain. If the blood clot is formed between the membranes surrounding the brain, it is known as a subdural haematoma. If the blood clot is between the inside of the skull and the outer membrane covering the brain, it is known as an
extradural haematoma.
A growth or tumour arising either from the membranes surrounding the brain (e.g. a meningioma) or from within the brain (e.g. a glioma). Any such growth can cause pressure on the brain.
Bleeding inside or on the surface of the brain caused by leakage from abnormal blood vessels, e.g. subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Booklets giving detailed information on Head injury and concussion, Brain tumour and Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage are available from the Brain and Spine Foundation.
extradural haematoma.
A growth or tumour arising either from the membranes surrounding the brain (e.g. a meningioma) or from within the brain (e.g. a glioma). Any such growth can cause pressure on the brain.
Bleeding inside or on the surface of the brain caused by leakage from abnormal blood vessels, e.g. subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Booklets giving detailed information on Head injury and concussion, Brain tumour and Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage are available from the Brain and Spine Foundation.
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