noun
- a surgical procedure involving the removal of a section of the skull to access the brain
Usage: medical; historical
Examples
- Archaeological evidence shows that trepanation was practiced in ancient civilizations.
- The museum displayed skulls showing signs of trepanation from prehistoric times.
- Modern neurosurgeons use advanced techniques that evolved from ancient trepanation procedures.
- The patient survived the trepanation, as evidenced by bone healing around the opening.
- Trepanation was sometimes performed to relieve pressure on the brain.
- Ancient practitioners believed trepanation could cure various ailments and mental disorders.