What Is Burr Hole Drainage?

A burr hole drainage is a procedure to reduce excess fluid that has collected under the brain’s covering known as the dura mater.

What Conditions Does Burr Hole Treat?

A burr hole drainage may be used to treat conditions caused by a buildup of fluid around the brain:

• Subdural hematoma—a pooling of blood underneath the dura mater
• Hydrocephalus—excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the brain

Or a burr hole may be employed to assist in the treatment of conditions:

• To implant a deep brain stimulation device
• To introduce an endoscope—small medical scope—to assist in tumor evacuation or aneurysm treatment
• Create an opening so a neurosurgeon can obtain a tissue sample for a biopsy

Advanced Burr Hole Treatments at NSPC

A burr hole drainage often only requires local anesthesia. The procedure relieves pressure on the brain caused by fluids such as excess blood from a subdural hematoma or an excess of cerebrospinal fluid, known as hydrocephalus.

After the section of head has been shaved and the scalp has been anesthetized, the neurosurgeon creates a small incision and drills a dime-sized hole into the skull to reveal the dura mater. The protective covering is opened and excess fluid is drained from inside the head. A wash may be used to help clear out the fluid. If necessary, a drain may be embedded to support additional channeling of excess fluid away from the brain.

NSPC’s Long Island and New York area medical centers provide experienced care and treatment of subdural hematomas and other brain conditions. Contact us with the button below, and find out what our award-winning doctors can do for you.