ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Decompressive craniectomy

Decompressive craniectomy is a special kind of surgery that is performed on your head. In your head, you have something called a skull, which is like a hard case that protects your brain. Sometimes, when your brain gets injured or swells up a lot, there is not enough space inside your skull for your brain to grow without getting squished.

But don't worry, when this happens, doctors can do a decompressive craniectomy to help your brain. During this surgery, the doctor will make a special cut on your head to open up a small part of your skull. It's like creating a little door in your skull to give your brain more space.

Once the doctor creates this tiny door, your brain can now start growing without any pressure. This helps your brain to heal and reduces the chance of any bad things happening. It's like giving your brain some breathing room!

After the surgery, the doctor will cover the door they made with a special material that will keep your brain safe. As time passes and your brain starts to get better, the doctors will decide when it's the right time to close the door they made.

In some cases, the door may stay open for a little while longer, but it's all for a good reason. The doctor wants to make sure your brain is healing properly before they close the door. But don't worry, the special material will keep everything safe in the meantime.

Overall, decompressive craniectomy is a surgery that helps your brain when it's hurt or swollen. It gives your brain some extra space to grow and heal. The doctor opens a small door in your skull and covers it to keep everything safe. And when your brain is all better, the doctor will close the door.