Awake Brain Surgery: Pain, Anesthesia & What to Expect

During awake brain surgery, patients receive local anesthesia to numb scalp and skull. The brain itself lacks pain receptors, so the procedure doesn't cause pain. However, patients may experience:

• Pressure or pulling sensations
• Discomfort from positioning or duration

Medications are given for relaxation and comfort. The awake state allows surgeons to monitor neurological function in real-time during tumor resection or epilepsy surgery near critical brain areas.