Kept awake by music.
” When a growth is including or near a critical part of the brain– something that controls the ability to speak or comprehend language or relocation– we wish to do the surgery awake to continuously monitor the patient, so you know if you start to violate regular brain functions,” Dr. Ricardo Komotar, director of the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, informed Fox News..
The doctors at the University of Miamis Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center identified glioma, a common type of growth, in his brain..
After the medical diagnosis, they informed him that to additional examine the growth and eliminate it, they required to carry out surgery. The physicians likewise made an uncommon request– they wanted Nolen to play some tunes on the guitar while they operated on his brain, but why?
In Nolens case, they wanted him to play guitar because this activity is regular in his life. Nolen was also comfortable doing it, and it also enabled the medical professionals to keep him awake quickly and monitor his body and hand motions efficiently..
” I had actually lost sensation in my entire left side. From the waist up, like, I wasnt able to move my arm, my face started to drag,” Nolen stated in an interview.
Each year, hundreds of such surgical treatments are performed at the Sylvester Center alone. Depending upon the patient, the medical professionals might ask to check out, sing, play violin, or do any other activity.
Komotar was one of the physicians associated with Nolens brain surgical treatment. He explains that without continuous feedback from the patient, the cosmetic surgeons would never know if a part of the brain is compromised during the operation.
What would be your reaction if your doctor asked you to play guitar while they carried out surgery on your brain? It doesnt sound quite proper. Thats exactly what took place to Christian Nolen, an expert musician from Florida who was detected with a brain tumor and underwent a craniotomy..
They choose to have the patient aware rather than under basic anesthesia when doctors run on a part of the brain associated with essential functions like movement or spoken ability. Due to the fact that the doctors need constant feedback from the patient to make sure everything is going according to plan, this is done.
Colorful sketch of Nolen playing guitar during surgical treatment. Image credits: Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Picsart
” I felt like it was such a distinct experience that I couldnt miss– especially with my motor skills being on the line. The danger of being sedated for the entire treatment exceeded any worry or stress and anxieties around the treatment itself,” Nolen said.
Nolens tumor appeared on his best frontal lobe, an area in the brain that manages the movement of body parts on the left side. This part is likewise connected to an individuals speaking capability, language, and other cognitive functions..
Was the surgery successful?
Ideally, he will quickly completely recuperate and his story will inspire countless other patients across the world who are also going through difficult times..
” He went home the day after surgery. He says his quality of life is better than its ever been, so I think his recovery has actually been amazing,” Komotar stated.
Despite facing numerous bodily issues and going through complicated brain surgical treatment, Nolen remained positive and didnt let his worry conquer his love for playing guitar and sensation alive.
The treatment is not over. The results of Nolens pathology tests are yet to come, and he is also most likely to go through chemotherapy and other follow-up medical treatments in the coming week.
While medical professionals dealt with the tumor in his brain, Nolen played numerous rock tunes on the guitar consisting of those from popular bands like Deftones and System of a Down. By the end of the operation, Komotar and his team effectively got rid of the whole growth..
Comparable to any other brain surgical treatment, Nolen wasnt permitted to do much body activity for some weeks. This made him uneasy and anxious for a long time, however eventually, he began to feel much better.
He is back to typical now. He goes to the health club and plays guitar every day, and is also able to work out better control over his left hand.
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