Re: indentions of the skull resulting from brain surgery

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on November 14, 1998 at 19:12:08:

In Reply to: indentions of the skull resulting from brain surgery posted by Lindsey on November 14, 1998 at 09:26:16:






I had brain surgery in 1990 (at CCF)and I now have several "holes" and indentions (along the scar) from the surgery.  I also have a "hole" (about the size of a nickel) along the hairline above my right eye that is fairly noticeable.  I was told that it resulted from my head being bolted down to the operating table.  On my right temple (my surgery was on the right side) there is an indention as well.  None of the visible marks are greatly noticeable, however, I have had a few comments from people asking what happened.  I don't mind that much because I went through a great deal to get them and don't mind explaining. Most people don't believe that I had brain surgery until I give them more details. Before I left the CCF, a neurologist told me that I could have plastic surgery done but it would be invasive and they would have to open my head back up.  I know what that entails because I had to have electrodes implanted for 9 days before I had the tissue removed.  My head was opened twice while I was there for surgery.  My neurologist where I live now and whom I see every 6 mo. (to reduce my med.), also told me I could have plastic surgery but that it wouldn't have to invasive.  He didn't explain any further. He has mentioned it twice to me and I think these "holes" and indentions bother other people more than they bother me.  Granted, I think it would look better not having them.  My question is:  As I get older and I don't have plastic surgery, will these "holes" and indentions become more noticeable?  If so, plastic surgery is something I would think about (I am 27 years old). Would the procedure to correct them have to be invasive?  What caused all of the different "holes" and indentions?  Thanks for your input.
Dear Lindsey:
You are correct in identifing the most important thing, the epilepsy surgery was successful.  The intendentions you describe are not uncommon.  Yes, you could get them fixed by a plastic surgeon.  I think that if you did, this surgery might not be covered by your insurance (elective surgery).  Whether the surgery would be invasive or not depends on whether they would have to open your skull.  I don't think they would have to be invasive to fix the indentations.  However, all surgery has it's risks as you know.  It is your decision, alot depends on how you feel about the indentations.  If they bother you, then go ahead and have them fixed (assuming you could afford it).  Now about the holes or indentations.  When they placed subdural electrodes, they used these holes to relay the electrode wires to the EEG machine.  After the electrodes were removed the skull calcified the holes but not completely.  So you were left with holes or identations in your skull.  Good luck with your decision.
Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS  

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