Craniotomy is a procedure known since ancient times to create a hole in the bone of the human skull in order to gain access to the soft tissues of the brain. One of the goals of trepanation was to “ventilate” the brain to get rid of a number of diseases, from migraines to demonic possession.
As a rule, during trepanation, a hole of different diameters was drilled in the human skull, depending on the historical era and the purpose of the operation, in order to open access to the dura mater - the membrane that protects the brain. As a rule, this procedure was carried out without any guarantees and even without anesthesia.
Treatment of ailments
Despite the fact that the definition and description of craniotomy is more suggestive of medieval torture than of medical innovations, this process was used in the Middle Ages to relieve patients of a number of diseases and unexplained conditions, such as headaches, epilepsy and various kinds seizures, mood swings, migraines, hysteria and possession by evil spirits.
It was believed that holes made in the skull bone would allow the brain to access oxygen, which would be of great benefit to patients and relieve them of ailments.
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The opinion of professionals
Dr. Miguel Faria Jr., editor-in-chief of Surgical Neurology International and a retired neurosurgeon, describes trepanation as follows: “Trepanning of the human skull is the oldest surgical procedure in human history. Skulls with traces of this procedure were found both in Europe and Asia, and in the vastness of the New World, especially in South America. Some of these skulls are several thousand years old.
One can only guess for what purposes shamans and sorcerers of prehistoric times carried out this operation, perhaps the main reason consisted in attempts to change human behavior. In any case, trepanation was the beginning of a narrow specialty, which in the 20th century was called psychosurgery."
Historical reference
While most cases of trepanation throughout history appear to be attempts to cure ailments, some skulls found in Russia tell a very different story to archaeologists.
Archaeologists from Rostov-on-Don have discovered unusual traces of craniotomy in some human remains dating from about 3500 BC. e. These marks are located high on the back of the head - roughly where long hair is usually tied up in a high ponytail. This is a very rare place for trepanation, since the risk of causing irreparable damage is extremely high.
Maria Mednikova, a representative of the Russian Academy of Sciences, suggested that these types of trepanation had a ritual purpose. Perhaps shamans sought to endow people with mystical powers.
The modern fate of trepanation
This process can easily scare modern audiences, but during the Middle Ages in Europe, trepanation was almost as widespread as bloodletting. As it turned out, this terrible procedure still has fans and adherents.
Amanda Fielding is the director of the Beckley Foundation, an organization dedicated to the study of human consciousness. In addition, or rather in spite of this, Fielding became interested in the benefits of trepanation and wanted to try the effect on herself.
After she couldn't find a single practicing neurosurgeon willing to perform this procedure, Amanda drilled a hole in her skull herself. After the "operation", Amanda wrapped her head in a scarf, had dinner and went to the party.
Until now, Amanda Fielding claims that she only feels positive effects after "airing" the brain, but even she insists that such actions can end badly, and advises not to make such decisions, so you should not run after the drill.
Hope Chikanchi
