Awake Brain Tumor Surgery (Awake Craniotomy)

While the skull bone is being opened (at the beginning of the surgery), the patient is lightly sedated, and the scalp is completely numbed with strong local injections. Once the meninges are opened and the brain is reached, the patient is awakened. The brain tissue itself has no "pain receptors (nerves)"; you will absolutely feel no pain when your brain is touched, cut, or cauterized.

Because the tumor might be attached to your speech center. While removing the tumor, the doctor shows you pictures, asks questions, and asks you to speak. At that moment, the doctor applies a slight electrical stimulus to the area suspected to be the tumor; if your speech suddenly halts, the doctor understands that it is the "intact speech center" and refrains from cutting that area, saving you from permanent paralysis or mutism.

Before the surgery, you undergo detailed tests by anesthesia and psychiatry specialists. This method is not applied to patients with claustrophobia or severe panic attacks anyway. Furthermore, the anesthesia team chats with you right at your bedside during the surgery and instantly administers intravenous anti-anxiety medications to relax you when necessary.