10 Myths in Neurosurgery

Myth 1: Head elevation is beneficial in the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure.

Myth 2: Hyperventilation (induced hypocapnia) is useful to treat elevated intracranial pressure.

Myth 3: Glucocorticoids are beneficial in the treatment of brain injury.

Myth 4: Antihistamines (H2 blockers, eg, cimetidine) should be used to avoid stress gastritis.

Myth 5: Shaving the operative site reduces infection.

Myth 6: Following anterior cervical discectomy (ACD), a fusion procedure is required.

Myth 7: Congenital disorders such as neural tube defects and hydrocephalus are not preventable.

Myth 8: Primary brain tumors do not metastasize.

Myth 9: Knowledge of neuroanatomy will allow the surgeon to avoid iatrogenic neurological deterioration.

Myth 10: The "Brain" is the surgical domain of the neurosurgeon.