Awake brain surgery is the procedure which is performed on the brain when the patient is awake and alert. Dr Manish Baldia, Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, explained, “This approach allows neurosurgeons to monitor and preserve vital brain functions, especially those related to speech, movement, and sensation, during the operation. The doctor checks improvement in symptoms and confirms with patient during DBS surgery.
” Why is awake brain surgery done? Monitor functions : By asking to perform specific tasks (like speaking, moving a limb, or identifying objects), surgeons can identify and avoid critical areas of the brain. Maximise safety : Ensuring that essential brain functions are preserved reduces the risk of post-operative deficits. ALSO READ: Silent brain strokes: What are they? Why do they happen? Precisely implant the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) leads : DBS surgery, the process of checking for improvement in symptoms is a critical part of the procedure.
DBS surgery is often performed while the patient is awake, allowing the surgical team to directly assess the effects of the stimulation on the patient's symptoms in real-time. Who Needs awake brain surgery? This procedure is typically recommended for patients with parkinson’s disease, tremors, task specific dystonia, brain tumors or epileptic regions located near areas that control essential functions like speech, movement, or senses. By perf.