Neurosurgical Breakthroughs of the Last 50 Years: A Historical Journey Through the Past and Present

This article presented the author's historical perspective on 25 of the most significant neurosurgical breakthrough events of the last 50 years. These breakthroughs have advanced neurosurgical patient care and management. They have improved the management of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, tumors, stroke, traumatic brain injury, movement disorders, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and spine pathologies. Neurosurgery has evolved through research, innovation, and technology. Several neurosurgical breakthroughs were achieved using neuroendoscopy, neuronavigation, radiosurgery, endovascular techniques, and refinements in computer technology. With these breakthroughs, neurosurgery did not change; it just progressed. Neurosurgery should continue its progress through research to obtain new knowledge for the benefit of our patients.