Which ancient practice involves drilling holes into the skull to treat head injuries or release evil spirits?

Which ancient practice involves drilling holes into the skull to treat head injuries or release evil spirits?

• A. Lobotomy
• B. Trepanation
• C. Trepanantion
• D. Craniotomy

Answer: (C)

Drilling holes into the skull in ancient practice is trepanation (also spelled trephination). The goal was often to relieve pressure from head injuries, drain fluids, or, in some beliefs, release evil spirits. Archaeological findings show holes in skulls with evidence of bone healing, indicating survival after the procedure. This differs from a modern craniotomy, which is a current surgical method to remove a skull portion to access the brain, and from a lobotomy, which involves altering brain tissue to treat psychiatric conditions. The term that best fits this ancient procedure is trepanation.

Drilling holes into the skull in ancient practice is trepanation (also spelled trephination). The goal was often to relieve pressure from head injuries, drain fluids, or, in some beliefs, release evil spirits. Archaeological findings show holes in skulls with evidence of bone healing, indicating survival after the procedure. This differs from a modern craniotomy, which is a current surgical method to remove a skull portion to access the brain, and from a lobotomy, which involves altering brain tissue to treat psychiatric conditions. The term that best fits this ancient procedure is trepanation.