Ancient Trepanations

Guinto, Gerardo; Guinto-Nishimura, Yoshiaki

doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2013.02.048

Ancient Trepanations

Journal

World Neurosurgery

ISSN

1878-8750

Date Issued

2014

Author(s)

Guinto, Gerardo

Guinto-Nishimura, Yoshiaki

Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud - CampCM

Type

text::journal::journal article

DOI

10.1016/j.wneu.2013.02.048

URL

https://scripta.up.edu.mx/handle/20.500.12552/2350

Abstract

Undoubtedly, one of the oldest surgical procedures with the most evidence in the history of humankind is trepanation. It is not known with certainty why cranial perforations were carried out in living beings; however, it is likely that it had magical implications. Early in the history of man, any unexplained situation was attributed to a higher force or entity over which humans had little or no control. Diseases are a clear example of this concept because it was initially believed that these were secondary to the influence of evil spirits or demons that “seized” the body or mind of sick persons. Magicians, sorcerers, or shamans were resorted to because it was believed that through incantations, dances, spells, charms, or other measures, they would be able to rid the body of these evil spirits or demons.