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The history of intracranial infections

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Abstract

The 19th and 20th centuries heralded the advancement of our understanding of surgical infections, reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality to patients by overturning long-held dogmas surrounding infections and perioperative care. These advancements impacted the development and establishment of the field of neurological surgery by minimizing surgical risk through aseptic techniques and promoting surgical benefit via improved neurological localization and surgical technique. Infections were significant contributors to morbidity and mortality for all surgical patients, and historically almost half of patients lost their lives as a consequence of perioperative wound contamination. With advancing understanding of germ theory, contagion, antisepsis, and subsequently asepsis, the surgeon began embracing the knowledge and techniques which would hone their craft and allow for a renaissance in the management of neurological disorders in an unprecedented manner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurological Surgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3316 Rochambeau Avenue, First Floor, Bronx, New York, USA

    Andrew J. Kobets & James T. Goodrich

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  1. Andrew J. Kobets
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  2. James T. Goodrich
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Correspondence to Andrew J. Kobets.

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Kobets, A.J., Goodrich, J.T. The history of intracranial infections. Childs Nerv Syst 34, 1849–1857 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-018-3888-5

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