Mythological and Prehistorical Origins of Neurosurgery

World Neurosurg. 2016 May:89:568-73. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.02.068. Epub 2016 Mar 3.

Abstract

Mythology has a cultural appeal, and the description of some neurosurgical procedures in the Hindu, Greek, Egyptian, and Chinese mythology has a bearing to the origins of our professions. The traces to some of our modern-day practices also can be linked back to the ancient prehistoric eras of the Siberian, Persian, and the Andean region. In this historical perspective, we briefly dwell into individual accounts through the prism of different cultures to highlight the development of neurosurgery in mythology and prehistoric era.

Keywords: Craniotomy; Mythology; Myths; Neurosurgery.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • History, Ancient*
  • Humans
  • Mythology*
  • Neurosurgery / history*
  • Neurosurgery / instrumentation
  • Portraits as Topic