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Skull Dropped in Surgery: Brain AVM Survivor's Tale
25 Sep
Summary
- A ruptured brain AVM led to a 16-hour surgery with three neurosurgeons.
- During the operation, the patient's skull was accidentally dropped.
- The patient is now grateful, seeing it as a life-changing positive experience.
In May 2017, a healthy 34-year-old experienced a sudden brain bleed due to a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangled mass of blood vessels. Initial medical assessments were delayed, with one hospital considering prescribing blood thinners that could have been fatal. Fortunately, further investigation revealed the critical AVM near the brain's motor control center.
Despite its high Spetzler-Martin grade of 4 out of 6, making it typically too risky for removal, the patient opted for surgery. This complex procedure required three neurosurgeons and lasted over 16 hours. During the operation, the surgeons accidentally dropped the piece of skull they had removed.
Following the surgery, the patient recovered, though it involved relearning to walk and coping with residual effects like loss of proprioception in one foot. The experience ultimately strengthened their relationship with their partner, leading to engagement and marriage.
The neurosurgeon now uses this case to demonstrate the successful removal of larger AVMs. The patient reflects that surviving such a life-threatening event has made them exceptionally happy, considering it a uniquely valuable life-changing experience, skull-drop notwithstanding.
