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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging
Published on: February 15, 2008
From Mystics to Modern Times: A History of Craniotomy & Religion
W Christopher Newman1, Srinivas Chivukula2, Ramesh Grandhi1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
Neurosurgical treatment of diseases dates back to prehistoric times and the trephination of skulls for various maladies. Throughout the evolution of trephination, surgery and religion have been intertwined to varying degrees, a relationship that has caused both stagnation and progress. From its mystical origins in prehistoric times to its scientific progress in ancient Egypt and its resurgence as a well-validated surgical technique in modern times, trephination has been a reflection of the cultural and religious times. Herein we present a brief history of trephination as it relates religion, culture, and the evolution of neurosurgery.
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