Efficacy of selective scalp nerve blocks for postoperative pain in craniotomy: A single-center experience

Supratentorial craniotomy is frequently performed for intracranial pathologies. Two critical aspects of anesthetic management are maintaining hemodynamic stability and controlling postoperative pain. Hypnotic agents and opioids, although commonly used, increase the risk of complications. Scalp block is a simple, safe technique that reduces opioid use and stabilizes perioperative hemodynamics. At our center, four patients undergoing craniotomy for aneurysm or intracranial tumor received selective scalp blocks. Minimal opioids were required, no hypertensive or tachycardic responses were observed, and opioid-related side effects were avoided. Our findings support the complementary role of scalp block alongside routine anesthesia in craniotomy.