Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Jerryade on 27/05/2008 21:02:36

Title: What is the medical term for removal of the skull?
Post by: Jerryade on 27/05/2008 21:02:36

Jeremiah asked the Naked Scientists:

What is the term used for the surgical removal of the skull?

What do you think?

Title: What is the medical term for removal of the skull?
Post by: stana on 27/05/2008 21:12:32

Decapitated?

Title: What is the medical term for removal of the skull?
Post by: chris on 27/05/2008 22:15:04

Maybe you're not thinking total removal of the skull?! Perhaps just a piece of skull, for instance to carry out a surgical procedure or to decompress the brain following a head injury, infection or stroke?

In this case the term is "craniectomy", which is removal of a skull segment. Making a hole in the skull is a craniotomy.

Chris

Title: What is the medical term for removal of the skull?
Post by: RD on 28/05/2008 22:42:29

You need trepanation like a hole in the head  [:)]

Although some are rather too keen on the idea ...

Quote

Mellen decided to try again. He describes his third attempt at self-trepanation:

After some time there was an ominous sounding schlurp and the sound of bubbling.
I drew the trepan out and the gurgling continued.
It sounded like air bubbles running under the skull as they were pressed out.
I looked at the trepan and there was a bit of bone in it. At last!

Amanda Feilding also performed a self-trepanation with a drill, while her partner Joey Mellen filmed the operation, in the film titled "Heartbeat in the Brain". 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trepanation

[This film could definitely be described as "boring"  [:)]]

Title: What is the medical term for removal of the skull?
Post by: paul.fr on 28/05/2008 23:11:20

I wonder if the question is relating to the procedure at autopsy, when the cranial vault (?) is opened to remove the brain.