Burr Holes

Burr holes are commonly performed by neurosurgeons to treat a variety of conditions. A burr hole is made with a specialized drill, and is used to create a small hole in the skull, about the size of a nickel. This provides a point of access for procedures such as a biopsy, insertion of a shunt, or drainage of fluid in or around the brain. The burr hole is sometimes covered up with a small circular plate, but often does not need to be covered. The hole is small enough that the body will naturally form scar tissue to fill the hole.