When is hemicraniectomy recommended?
Patients with malignant middle cerebral artery occlusion are at risk of death from cerebral edema and herniation.
Every 2 hemicraniectomy procedures for malignant MCA infarction saves 1 life.
Although fewer people die, less than 10% achieve functional independence. Surgical decompression is often suggested for large strokes within the cerebellar hemispheres as patients tend to recover well from these strokes if they survive the acute period.
Early consultation with neurosurgery is suggested.
