title: From Mystics to Modern Times: A History of Craniotomy & Religion.
abstract: Neurosurgical treatment of diseases dates back to prehistoric times and the trephination of skulls for various maladies. Throughout the evolution of trephination, surgery and religion have been intertwined to varying degrees, a relationship that has caused both stagnation and progress. From its mystical origins in prehistoric times to its scientific progress in ancient Egypt and its resurgence as a well-validated surgical technique in modern times, trephination has been a reflection of the cultural and religious times. Herein we present a brief history of trephination as it relates religion, culture, and the evolution of neurosurgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: W Christopher
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors.forename: Srinivas
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chivukula
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Electronic address: rameshmgrandhi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ramesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grandhi
mesh_terms: D003399:Craniotomy / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion
keywords: Craniotomy; History; Neurosurgery; Religion