Trepanation, one of the oldest surgical practices known to humanity, involves the drilling or scraping of a hole into the human skull. This procedure was performed with the intent of treating various ailments, most commonly believed at the time to be related to mental disorders, head injuries, or as a means of relieving pressure in cases of trauma or illness.
The practice dates back to prehistoric times and has been found in various cultures across the world. Archaeological evidence suggests that trepanation was performed using rudimentary tools made from stone, bronze, or even iron. The techniques varied, but the goal was often to remove a section of bone for therapeutic reasons.
People who underwent trepanation may have survived the procedure, as some skulls have been found to show signs of healing, indicating that the patient lived for a time after the operation. The rationale behind trepanation often stemmed from beliefs about the supernatural or spiritual causes of illness, as well as the idea that opening the skull could release evil spirits or pressure related to swelling of the brain.
Today, while trepanation is no longer practiced in the same way, the concept has evolved into modern neurosurgical techniques for treating conditions like traumatic brain injury or certain types of hydrocephalus.