Craniectomy
A surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the brain and treat severe conditions.
Craniectomy
A surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the brain and treat severe conditions.
Craniectomy
A surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the brain and treat severe conditions.
Craniectomy
A surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the brain and treat severe conditions.




What is a Craniectomy?
What is a Craniectomy?
A craniectomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the brain. Unlike a craniotomy, where the bone flap is replaced after the surgery, in a craniectomy, the bone is not immediately put back. This procedure is often performed in emergency situations to treat conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain swelling that could be life-threatening. By removing part of the skull, the surgeon can reduce pressure on the brain, preventing further damage and allowing the brain to heal.
A craniectomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the brain. Unlike a craniotomy, where the bone flap is replaced after the surgery, in a craniectomy, the bone is not immediately put back. This procedure is often performed in emergency situations to treat conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain swelling that could be life-threatening. By removing part of the skull, the surgeon can reduce pressure on the brain, preventing further damage and allowing the brain to heal.
Recovery After Craniectomy
Steps to Healing and Protecting the Brain

Prepare for your surgery
Explore our Pre-Op care resources to ensure you have the best outcome!

Prepare for your surgery
Explore our Pre-Op care resources to ensure you have the best outcome!

Prepare for your surgery
Explore our Pre-Op care resources to ensure you have the best outcome!

Prepare for your surgery
Explore our Pre-Op care resources to ensure you have the best outcome!
Craniectomy
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Information for Patients and Their Families


How long will I stay in the hospital after a craniectomy?
How long will I stay in the hospital after a craniectomy?
How long will I stay in the hospital after a craniectomy?
How long will I stay in the hospital after a craniectomy?
What are the risks associated with a craniectomy?
What are the risks associated with a craniectomy?
What are the risks associated with a craniectomy?
What are the risks associated with a craniectomy?
Will I need another surgery after a craniectomy?
Will I need another surgery after a craniectomy?
Will I need another surgery after a craniectomy?
Will I need another surgery after a craniectomy?
How soon can I resume normal activities after a craniectomy?
How soon can I resume normal activities after a craniectomy?
How soon can I resume normal activities after a craniectomy?
How soon can I resume normal activities after a craniectomy?
What should I expect in terms of neurological function after the surgery?
What should I expect in terms of neurological function after the surgery?
What should I expect in terms of neurological function after the surgery?
What should I expect in terms of neurological function after the surgery?
How do I protect my head after a craniectomy?
How do I protect my head after a craniectomy?
How do I protect my head after a craniectomy?
How do I protect my head after a craniectomy?

Surgery Day Walkthrough
Surgery Day Walkthrough
Surgery Day Walkthrough
Surgery Day Walkthrough
Take a look at a what a surgery day at Piedmont looks like Surgery Day Walkthrough for you.
Take a look at a what a surgery day at Piedmont looks like Surgery Day Walkthrough for you.
Take a look at a what a surgery day at Piedmont looks like Surgery Day Walkthrough for you.




Customers Reviews
Customers Reviews
Customers Reviews
She did surgery on my back and the next day I was walking and have been ever since. Slower at first but faster every day until after a week I was going shopping at major stores and keeping up with others. I had very little pain and found, if I cut the pain medicine down just enough to stop any pain from slowing me down, the exercise I was getting was enough to keep walking more each day. She deserves a big thank you and when no one is looking a big hug.
- Bob Murray
Finest physician I have ever dealt with. Outstanding diagnosis ability. Superb office visits with patient. Is realistic and does not over promise treatment response.
- Carl S. Hoveland
Dr. Walpert is, in my opinion, the best of the best. Three hour surgery, fuse c-3 through 3-8. I am now some 7 months after surgery and feel better than I have in ten years! I would highly recommend her to anyone at anytime. I have had eight surgeries in my lifetime and this, by far, was the best experience of my life! I can't say enough about my experience from the most professional and caring person I have ever met.
- Charlie McAlexander
Dr. Walpert is outstanding, very caring about her patients. A great doctor and person. Would recommend to friends.
- Anonymous
Would recommend this doctor very highly. Had back surgery 7/6/09 and it went extremely well. Treated me with respect & dignity, which is a rare commodity for a very overweight patient to receive. Staff also was respectful.
- DJS
Dr. Walpert has operated on my back twice, and my last surgery was in December 2012, and I had my six months review. I'm no longer having low back pain. I'm grateful for Dr. Walpert, she is so professional and I will always consider her first if I need any more back surgery. She is the best, that's why I went back to her for my second procedure. May God continue to bless her and her staff.
- Cynthia Banks
Dr. Walpert is an excellent doctor. She did my back surgery in May 2010 and did a perfect job before and after my surgery. At this time, I have reinjured my back and she continues to do a great job. Her staff is very well trained and respectful; I would recommend her to anyone.
- Bud McKay
She did surgery on my back and the next day I was walking and have been ever since. Slower at first but faster every day until after a week I was going shopping at major stores and keeping up with others. I had very little pain and found, if I cut the pain medicine down just enough to stop any pain from slowing me down, the exercise I was getting was enough to keep walking more each day. She deserves a big thank you and when no one is looking a big hug.
- Bob Murray
Finest physician I have ever dealt with. Outstanding diagnosis ability. Superb office visits with patient. Is realistic and does not over promise treatment response.
- Carl S. Hoveland
Dr. Walpert is, in my opinion, the best of the best. Three hour surgery, fuse c-3 through 3-8. I am now some 7 months after surgery and feel better than I have in ten years! I would highly recommend her to anyone at anytime. I have had eight surgeries in my lifetime and this, by far, was the best experience of my life! I can't say enough about my experience from the most professional and caring person I have ever met.
- Charlie McAlexander
Dr. Walpert is outstanding, very caring about her patients. A great doctor and person. Would recommend to friends.
- Anonymous
Would recommend this doctor very highly. Had back surgery 7/6/09 and it went extremely well. Treated me with respect & dignity, which is a rare commodity for a very overweight patient to receive. Staff also was respectful.
- DJS
Dr. Walpert has operated on my back twice, and my last surgery was in December 2012, and I had my six months review. I'm no longer having low back pain. I'm grateful for Dr. Walpert, she is so professional and I will always consider her first if I need any more back surgery. She is the best, that's why I went back to her for my second procedure. May God continue to bless her and her staff.
- Cynthia Banks
Dr. Walpert is an excellent doctor. She did my back surgery in May 2010 and did a perfect job before and after my surgery. At this time, I have reinjured my back and she continues to do a great job. Her staff is very well trained and respectful; I would recommend her to anyone.
- Bud McKay
Pre-Appoinment Materials
Get a step ahead on your upcoming appointment! Download and print our patient forms or fill them out online before your upcoming appointment.
Contact us
Pre-Appoinment Materials
Get a step ahead on your upcoming appointment! Download and print our patient forms or fill them out online before your upcoming appointment.
Contact us
Pre-Appoinment Materials
Get a step ahead on your upcoming appointment! Download and print our patient forms or fill them out online before your upcoming appointment.
Contact us
Pre-Appoinment Materials
Get a step ahead on your upcoming appointment! Download and print our patient forms or fill them out online before your upcoming appointment.
Contact us

Welcome to Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. We are a patient-centered clinic dedicated to bringing you the best possible treatment options for cranial and spinal conditions.
Patient Resources
Fax: 1 (706)-475-1879
© 2025 l Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery | All rights reserved.
Powered By


Welcome to Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. We are a patient-centered clinic dedicated to bringing you the best possible treatment options for cranial and spinal conditions.
Patient Resources
Fax: 1 (706)-475-1879
© 2025 l Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery | All rights reserved.
Powered By


Welcome to Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. We are a patient-centered clinic dedicated to bringing you the best possible treatment options for cranial and spinal conditions.
Patient Resources
Fax: 1 (706)-475-1879
© 2025 l Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery | All rights reserved.
Powered By


Welcome to Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. We are a patient-centered clinic dedicated to bringing you the best possible treatment options for cranial and spinal conditions.
Patient Resources
Fax: 1 (706)-475-1879
© 2025 l Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery | All rights reserved.
Powered By
