Development of Neurosurgery in the Last 50 Years

Although already in ancient times neurosurgical procedures such as trepanations were carried out with great skill no signifi cant progress has been achieved until the end of the 19th century. Th is was due to the lack of knowledge about the task and the function of the brain regions and also to the lack of investigations and diagnostic possibilities of the nervous system. Th e better understanding of the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord and the development of analysis methods for detecting diseases have led to a signifi cant progress of neurosurgery. With modern imaging techniques of neuroradiology such as computertomography and magnetic resonance imaging and with the introduction of the operating microscope and microsurgical techniques a new age of neurosurgery especially in the last 50 years was created. Th is progress led not only to preservation of live but also to preserve important functions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.