Cranial trepanations are the practices of drilling holes in the human skull, which have been carried out by various cultures throughout history, with archaeological evidence suggesting that these practices date back thousands of years in different parts of the world, such as America. from the South, Africa, Europe and Asia.
In ancient times, cranial trepanations served a variety of purposes, ranging from religious rituals to medical interventions. It was believed that piercing the skull could release evil spirits, cure mental illnesses, relieve headaches, treat traumatic injuries, and even allow spiritual knowledge to flow to the patient.
How were cranial trepanations performed?
This procedure varied in the way it was carried out depending on the culture and region. Although the specific details of the procedures may differ, there are some similarities in the methods used to perform them.
First, herbs were used to sedate the person who was going to have the procedure performed. Other times he was intoxicated to the point of unconsciousness.
Generally, these procedures involved using sharp tools, such as stone chisels, obsidian blades, or metal instruments, to drill holes in the skull. Ancient surgeons applied gradual pressure to a specific area of the skull with their chosen tool, and then proceeded to twist or scrape to create a hole in the bone. In some cases, drilling techniques were used to create a series of interconnected holes, rather than a single hole. Techniques to lift the newly drilled bone segment from the skull were also often used.
Lethal procedure?
It is important to note that, despite the apparent crudeness of these methods, archaeological studies have revealed evidence of bone healing around many of these holes, suggesting that a large number of people who underwent trepanation survived the procedure and They lived for a long time. This indicates a surprising surgical capacity and a remarkable survival rate among those subjects subjected to these practices in ancient times.
From a contemporary medical perspective, ancient cranial trepanations raise a number of intriguing questions about ancient cultures’ understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the brain, as well as the medical conditions that might have led to these procedures. Additionally, the study of these practices can provide valuable information about the history of medicine and the evolution of surgical practices over time.
Although ancient cranial trepanations were carried out in cultural and medical contexts very different from those we know today, their study and understanding provide us with a unique insight into the medical beliefs, practices and skills of bygone eras, contributing to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of medicine throughout history.
Are they currently being carried out?
Currently, cranial trepanations are carried out in very specific medical situations and are extremely rare. In general, they are performed as neurosurgical procedures to treat serious medical conditions that affect the brain, such as severe head trauma, hematomas, brain cysts, intracranial abscesses, among others. These procedures are performed by experienced neurosurgeons in highly specialized medical settings, such as hospitals with brain surgery capabilities.
Modern trephination is carried out using advanced surgical techniques and technologies, including the use of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography to guide precise localization of the area to be treated, as well as the use of high-precision surgical instruments. There are, in addition, strict medical protocols and regulations that govern the performance of cranial trephinations in contemporary medical practice.
It is important to note that current cranial trepanations are highly invasive procedures and are reserved only for specific medical cases in which surgery is considered the best option to save life or prevent serious damage to the brain.
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