Burr holes are tiny holes in the skull created by a neurosurgeon during brain surgery or as part of a medical treatment to treat a brain disorder, such as subdural hematoma, tumors of the brain, hydrocephalus (fluid build-up in the brain), epidural hematoma (collection of blood between the skull and the dura mater). Burr holes are frequently used as part of emergency operations following traumatic injuries to the head - to alleviate pressure on the brain, to drain blood from the brain after a severe injury, and to remove sharp objects stuck in the skull.
Burr Hole Surgery - An Overview
A burr hole procedure is done to help relieve pressure on the brain due to fluid build-up or to facilitate further surgery by drilling holes into the skull.
