All surgeries are serious, but brain surgeries are particularly delicate.
Among other things, the patient’s abilities to speak and move are at stake.
For one man named Christian Nolen, things went a step further.
Knowing he was a talented guitarist, his doctors requested him to play his instrument on the operating table.
Nolen had only heard about such procedures in movies and television shows.
But having played guitar since he was 13, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Luckily, after being handed a guitar, Nolen was ready to do his part during the procedure.
He chose to perform some Deftones songs and his guitar playing ended up being key to protecting his brain.
The tumor was touching and interfacing with the part of the brain that controls hand movement.
Fortunately, we were able to remove the entire tumor and not injure his hand.
In addition to safeguarding one’s mobility, an awake surgery has other benefits for patients.
Having passed his dexterity tests, he’s back to playing his beloved guitar on his own terms.
