Brain Surgery

What was the reason for the development of neurosurgery during the First World War?

The number of soldiers receiving brain injuries led to the development of neurosurgery thoughout the war.

What were the difficulties with neurosurgery during the First World War?

There were 2 main difficulties with neurosurgery in 1914:

• ❖ Head wounds affecting the brain were often fatal, because unconscious patients were difficult to move through the chain of evacuation.
• ❖ Surgeons had little experience of neurosurgery.

Who developed neurosurgery during the First World War?

American neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing used new techniques to treat brain injuries.

How was neurosurgery used to treat brain injuries in the First World War?

Two main methods were developed to deal with brain injuries:

• ❖ Magnets were used to remove metal fragments from the brain.
• ❖ Local anaesthetic was used because it reduced swelling to the brain. General anaesthetic was found to increase swelling and therefore made brain surgery more dangerous.

What were the results of Harvey Cushing's work on neurosurgery during the First World War?

Cushing's techniques improved the survival rate from brain surgery, from an average of 50% to 71%.

How did the Brodie helmet reduce the need for neurosurgery in the First World War?

In 1915, the Brodie helmet was introduced to help prevent head injuries. It was made from steel and had a strap to keep it on the soldier's head. It is estimated that it reduced the fatality of head wounds by 80%.