Tom's Brain Surgery -- CAUTION: GORY PICTURES Photo Gallery by Tom E at pbase.com

Tom's Brain Surgery -- CAUTION: GORY PICTURES

Epidural hematoma, May 8, 2003.

An artery was bleeding inside my cracked skull after a bicycle accident sustained on a group ride. My helmet saved my life. The CAT scans are about 45 minutes after impact and show the size of the growing blood clot. The surgery to remove it started less than two hours after the accident and lasted three hours. If I hadn't gone directly to a level 1 trauma center emergency room, I'd be dead. Thanks to Dr. Picker and Dr. Sakabu at St. Johns Mercy in St. Louis, and a lot of other people, I'm now recovering fine and riding the bike again. Also thanks to the doctors for taking and giving me these pictures.

Get those head injuries checked out, even if it's just a bump.

For post-surgery pics of my head all stapled-up, see http://www.pbase.com/terbo/postop

Oh yeah, I broke my collarbone too.

[update, november 19 2003] I only did two more races in 2003, the OreToShore 48-mile off-road race in Michigan in August, and the 12-hour race in Kansas City in September. Both went fine but I'm out of shape due to some bad riding habits developed during my break this summer. I'm getting off-road a lot this fall and looking forward to racing road and mountain again in 2004, but with a little more perspective on everything. I tried to post the best shots out of the 40 or so pictures I got from the doctor. If you want to see the ones I haven't put up, email me.

For more info or if you'd like to use these pictures, please email tome at racoon dot com (note funny spelling of raccoon). I'm almost certain I won't mind, but it's always nice to know who's looking at my brain.

19 CAT scans	18 first incision	25 detach scalp	28 cracked skull
33 bone saw	37 hematoma	39 hematoma	43 cleaned-up
46 cracked skull inside	47 cracked skull outside	53 Ti fasteners	56 humpty dumpty
:: more operation pics ::

post a comment

lala		28-Jan-2010 16:59
well. im here cuz my 3 years old nephew fell like two day ago,and he hit his head..no body toke it too seriously so he fell asleep and they couldn't wake him up eventho he was still breathing, toke him to emergency room and they doctors said he was really bad, thay they were gonna try to clean all the blood that went into his brain but that mostly he wasn't gonna make it or he was gonna end bad. so thanks to god he made it our of the surgery room, as now he is still at the hospital really delicated and with tubs, but hoping and waiting for him to be good! but yeah its a pretty horrible story =( . so this totally should be outthere so people can know that not matter how insignificant a fall can be, go check it out! ..cuz im sure that if my nephew would be at the hospital sooner he could be rightnow here with us and not in that lonely room full of tubs...and he is such a beautiful and happy kid..so help with your prayers..tahnk you!!!

Kasey		08-Nov-2009 16:43
This is rather freaky to see! I am a TBI survivor- post 7 years, from a car surfing (riding on the hood of a car) accident in 2002. This is like the mirror image of what was done to me (I had a left crani). My skull was out for a year and a half, so I didn't get the "real thing" ever put back in. Seeing these pictures kind of gave me an idea of what was done to me. Thanks for sharing!

Guest		24-Oct-2009 13:15
I have had cranial surgery twice (aneurysms, one bled out, one thankfully didn't). I have had great fun and mileage from two of the screws that were left protruding slightly. How many of us can honestly admit to having a screw loose! Although the details of brain surgery seem so awful, perhaps the worst phase of my recovery was the itching. About 2 or 3 months post-operative, the nerve re-growth on the scalp (and face in my case) begins. The most infernal, torturous itching just below the scalp...goes on for a month or so. But you can't scratch yer brain, so it was torture! Your experience reminds me why I spent so much "mom energy" educating my children to wear helmets. e

Tracey		29-Sep-2009 19:49
I'm 40 & when I was 11 I ran my bike under a parked truck. I fractured my skull & had surgey. I'v been having seizures for 20 yrs now & I'm getting ready to have brain surgey. I'm glad I saw your pictures & read the comment about being seizure free for 2 years. I guess you never really think about how serious a head injury is or how it will effect the rest of your life.

Tracey		29-Sep-2009 19:49
I'm 40 & when I was 11 I ran my bike under a parked truck. I fractured my skull & had surgey. I'v been having seizures for 20 yrs now & I'm getting ready to have brain surgey. I'm glad I saw your pictures & read the comment about being seizure free for 2 years. I guess you never really think about how serious a head injury is or how it will effect the rest of your life.

Robson Taotao		17-Sep-2009 12:40
These pics are so stimulating, I mean, they really stimulate me to take up Neurosurgery!!!! They are so awesome!

Dr. Christopher Elliott Jr.		11-Sep-2009 03:03
I'm personally happy & proud of your courage & determination;Furthermore, As a studying honor student & a future Neuro Surgeon myself I wanted to tell you that in our world as care givers you & individuals like you are the real true hero for standing up against such a distasteful situation. PS. God bless you! & smile :)

Guest		01-Sep-2009 21:28
Hi Tom, I had Brain Surgery back on the 4th January 2007. I had a scar removed from Left Hippocampus. This was for my Epilepsy. I am now seizure free 2 and Half Yrs. Hope your continuing to do well. Take Care Raid

Guest		25-Jul-2009 10:54
cool! I was wondering how this procedure is done since Im going to under go a surgery in a few days....

amanda kudakwashe saramunda		24-Jul-2009 07:27
its kinda gross,but i think its fascinating since i want to become a brain surgeon.im amanda from zimbabwe and iv always had a passion/obssesion with peoples brains. if anyone has pictures or videos concerning brain surgery please mail them to me at sxified04@gmail.com. thanks for sharing your experience Tom.im glad that you are okay. amanda

Amber		11-Jul-2009 04:56
I myself have to say I want tobecome a brain sugeon and you are very lucky for steady hands

Melinda Maranto		07-Jun-2009 16:54
Thanks for your pictures. My kids are not so in to wearing their bike helmets, so I tried to show them some pictures of why they should. I think your pictures did the trick. I am glad you recovered. As a nurse, I see many people injured that aren't so lucky. Sometimes it is difficult for kids to take our word for it, but these pictures make a difference.

lauren		03-Jun-2009 17:29
hi im a 12 year old GIRL and i thought those pis were awsome

brainsurgent14101		28-May-2009 18:36
that is so cool i want to be a brain surgent

GUEST2		19-May-2009 01:42
THIS IS AWESOME

Yusuf Muhammad		08-May-2009 16:26
Wow.Thanks for putting these pics up.I want to be a brain surgeon and looking at these pics really let me see what would have to do.Get well though!lol

Donna		04-May-2009 06:34
I had 4 tumors removed 3-31-09. I had viewed Toms pics so I would have an Idea of what I was looking at having done. Although my head was opened over the whole top of my head. I have 6 titanium plates and 14 screws to put my skull back together. Since I had long hair I asked if my Dr. could spare the hair in the back...he did. It looks like I have a mullet. I was in hospital 9 days.

chloe		13-Apr-2009 05:41
that is so alsom i love the pitchers

chloe		13-Apr-2009 05:41
that is so alsom i love the pitchers

chlor		13-Apr-2009 05:41
that is so alsom i love the pitchers

Guest		15-Mar-2009 16:45
Thats pretty cool, that you have pics of your brain. In Jan. 2002 I had brain surgery to correct seizers, and they took pics for me too. email me some time i would like to know how your recovery and what not is going and if the surgery has kept you from doing things? depa15@yahoo.com

Guest		24-Feb-2009 14:23
great,.!!!

Linda		23-Feb-2009 22:04
Thanks for the pics. My son-in-law ran into a tree with his head while skiing this month and had an epidural hematoma which required surgery. The pics give me a good idea of what he went through. Glad you are doing fine, and I hope my sil will heal well too. Linda R.

s.b.		09-Feb-2009 18:37
omg your pictures are amazing!!!!!!!im 12 and i know this is what i want to do.yall should put more pics up

Guest		19-Jan-2009 09:58
My 9 year old daughter thinks your pics are very cool as she wishes to be a brain surgeon. I have had an acoustic neroma and I have no photos to show her.

Maegan Williams		09-Dec-2008 01:34
omg, those pictures were off the changg i want to be a brain surgean!@!!!!

s.dot		03-Dec-2008 16:12
that wuz wow!!

Garry from Facepunch again		26-Nov-2008 16:43
I HATE NIGGERS FUCKING CUNTS GOD DAYMN!

Garry from Facepunch		26-Nov-2008 16:42
God damn I wish that was a Nigger so I could run in there and happy slap his brains. GOD DAMN!

ANON		26-Nov-2008 10:10
MMMMM BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAINS

ANON		26-Nov-2008 10:10
MMMMM BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAINS

nigger		21-Nov-2008 00:51
fuck obama faggots

faggot		20-Nov-2008 21:53
HEY FACEPUNCH

Anonymous		20-Nov-2008 05:41
Brainsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

person		31-Oct-2008 13:01
that was hilarious

don		27-Oct-2008 17:48
that was awsome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

don		27-Oct-2008 17:48
that was awsome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

don		27-Oct-2008 17:48
that was awsome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest		22-Oct-2008 00:23
hi Tom - I am with a production company and looking for some brain surgery footage - please let me know if you can help me out. Thanks 424 652 0065 John

bonnie		07-Sep-2008 22:00
HI! good to hear you've recovered. it's a long road,i know. hope your life keeps getting better. in 1994 i had to have a brain tumor removed. it changed a few things but i'm greatful i'm alive.

Guest		29-Aug-2008 15:15
tom i had the very same operation in 2002 im recover fine from it like just have a nice square scar. i just wanted 2 see what they actualy done 2 me. cheers

Lucy		18-Jul-2008 01:16
Wow amasing pictures,,I sure hope you are doing ok now Tom.I came here through google because my good friends daughter had epilepsy surgery today and I came online to learn all about these types of surgerys.Seeng your pictures sure has given me quite a undertanding of somewhat went on during her 12 hour surgery. thanks and be well.

Casey		13-Jul-2008 19:09
What amazing pictures!

crazy sania!! :O		19-May-2008 19:38
si

Hassan		14-May-2008 16:49
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i can't believe i want to be a brain surgeon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dylen (girl)		01-Apr-2008 15:03
wow tats rough idk wat tats like but i can tell it wasnt fun. my cousin had brain surgery for cancer but she died. ya it wasnt good. ur surgery had alot of info on this site and i learned alot.

Guest		27-Mar-2008 00:17
thats fucked up for you necrophiliacs.

Elaine Howell		08-Feb-2008 15:20
Wow, Tom, I've already had a Temporal Lesionectomy to try to cure my epilepsy in Sept 2000, it worked for 5 years but has come back, so I'm waiting to go back in and have part of my Hippocampus removed. It absolutely fascinates me, the whole concept of opening someone's head up and getting such amazing results, the responsibility of these surgeons having people's lives and futures in their hands defies belief! Your op looked interesting, it bloody hurts doesn't it??!! I hope you are continuing in good health and that you have a long and happy life! Best Wishes Elaine Howell, Northants, UK.

Guest		25-Dec-2007 06:45
I GOOGLED BRAIN SURGERY ONE TIME AND THIS IS WAT I GOT IT WAS THE THIRD ONE FROM THE TOP. MY MOTHER HAD A TBI MONTHS AGO AND WILL NOT ALLOW SURGERY. SHE IS AFRAID. MY INTEREST IS IN SURGERY AND I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH AND PARTICIAPTE IN SURGERY BUT NOTHING IS BIG. YOUR OPERATION LOOKED VERY GOOD AND CAN TELL THE DR.'S TOOK THEIR TIME(THATS ALWAYS A GOOD THING) IM VERY GLAD TO SEE YOUR PICTURES AND JUST WANTED TO TYPE YOU A MESSAGE: TAKE CARE AND MAYBE SOMETIME SOON MY MOTHER WILL BE WILLING TO GO UNDER OPERATION BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. TISH.

Jeff		18-Dec-2007 05:54
I had this exact surgery 20 years ago when I was 9. I fell off a dresser and hit the back of my head on the floor. I've always wondered exactly how the surgery took place and what it looked like. These pics are fascinating. I now know exactly how they fixed me up. I felt like I was looking at pictures of myself on the operating table. Thanks for posting these.

Miss Allen		20-Nov-2007 22:03
Wow! This is great. My science classes LOVED the photos. We are studying the brain and your expereince was enlightening. Thank you for sharing.

Heather		12-Nov-2007 06:04
WOW...two years ago, July 28th 2005, I was in a horse back riding accident where I wasn't wearing a helmet and I too had emergency brain surgery for a epidural hematoma. I was given 20 minutes to live but I am doing great today and the medical team that operated on me was Christopher Reeve's medical team. I was VERY lucky. Seeing these pictures...wow, now I know what was done to me :0)

Guest		04-Nov-2007 00:07
its interesting to see the pics. i was assaulted and had to have the same operation. the doctors didnt explain anything to me. its been two years, this is the first time i've seen what had to be done. i'm pretty shocked.

nik nickravesh		03-Oct-2007 00:10
hi my name is nick, im getting the same type of surgery done to me i had a really bad skateboarding hit. as of right now they have my skull out and im going into surgery on thursday oct. 4th 07' to get my skull put back in. it has been about a month n' a half snice the first surgery and all the doctors tell my im very lucky to be alive and have all of my memory and to be able to function normally. anyways i guess i learn the hard way to wear a helmet. good luck to you with your biking

Guest		01-Sep-2007 07:56
Hello, That was pretty cool to look at. It was kind of neat how they took part of your skull off then put it back on. They took you a part then put you back together again. Pretty simple "Not brain surgery" well wait actually it was brain surgery.

Guest		01-Sep-2007 07:56
Hello, That was pretty cool to look at. It was kind of neat how they took part of your skull off then put it back on. They took you a part then put you back together again. Pretty simple "Not brain surgery" well wait actually it was brain surgery.

Paul Gibson		31-Aug-2007 22:42
Thank you for posting these pictures, I'd like to know how you're doing now. I ride a motorcycle in Mexico, and guys have told me time and again that there is no helmet law in Mexico, I still do not move my bike without my helmet on, and I don't carry a passenger without a helmet, I will show these to them. Here in Mexico, you'd be dead probably. God probably has a plan for you.

Kim		30-Aug-2007 16:01
YIKES! Hard to believe that happend to me, this March. AHHHHHH!!! Scarey!

jessica		25-Jun-2007 04:54
yea my brother had got in an accident,he was on his pedal bike and hit an suv,and had sever brian trauma in altoona pa.it happen may 26,2007 and died june 12,2007 wow,always wantted to know what it was like for him glade your alive and had great doctors..god bless and take care,good luck with everything..

dominic		22-Jun-2007 12:22
in Africa where i live, you wouldn't be showing us these pics. you'd be dead. thank god for medical technology and the blessing of being able to access it. you are very lucky mate!

qumezj rfxz		12-Jun-2007 03:43
tmbjxl yibdtfcw oqdij oixblgjmk uqbjlnr mubn wpvq

Bob B Myers		08-Jun-2007 08:39
I had this done in 1975 and today was my 27th wedding anniversary ! I had a tumor and now I have Epilepsy , but it's under control I have 2 sons and doing fine God Bless you for posting these !

Dave		14-Apr-2007 23:37
Thanks for the pictures. I also had surgey very similar to yours. It took 60 staples to close me up (I kept them as souvenirs). I was awake during the surgery & had to talk to the surgeon but I never had pictures. It was great to see what thing actually looked like.

Barry		20-Mar-2007 17:11
Glad it all went well. I'm instructing safety to teenagers - including mountain biking - and just like Nathalie (your comments page) I am a First Responder. Your resilience in recovery is exemplary! Tom: can I use a couple of pics in a website I am building for a paramedical qualification? We are a group of volunteer safety specialists based near London, England.

naturechick		10-Feb-2007 06:12
Thank you for sharing these educational and interesting photographs! Ironically, a couple of days ago my son asked me if it's possible for a person to survive if a portion of their skull is removed to access the brain. Here's his answer! Glad you're doing well after that accident.

jenny		05-Nov-2006 16:25
that is soo cool

Cori		20-Oct-2006 04:38
Wow! Not only does that scare you into wearing a helmet, it's kind of cool to look at after you get desensatized a bit. Thanks for sharing!

sarah		20-Sep-2006 10:36
woah!!! how lucky are you...your sooo lucky you survived ay like no joke you are 1 lucky man !!! well good that you survived and good your lifes back on track!!!

chloe		20-Sep-2006 05:29
oh my god you are so lucky you survived, those pictures are quite nasty!i'm only 13 and most people my age don't wear helmets but after seeing those pictures i think i might start and i'll be making sure all of my friend start wearing one to!!! well its good you recovered and i think that after seeig those pictures many people will start wearing a helmet!!! you and your family are very lucky!!!

Guest		23-Aug-2006 04:27
to share your pictures is to be commended. my twelve year old son says "it's not cool to wear a helmet" i will show him the not so gory ones. thanks a bunch!!!

Jessica		27-Jul-2006 20:17
Thank you for sharing. My mother just had brain surgery Tuesday the 25th of 2006, and I was wondering how it looks like when they open the skull. It's amazing what doctors can do! My mother had a brain tumor, her surgery lasted about 2 to 3 hours. She was able to talk right when they woke her up in the surgery room and she did so well they did not put her in intesive care for the 24 hours. Today she got released to go home (today is the 27th). Her surgery took place in Cedar Sinai, DR. Black and Dr. Chu did a great job!!

Guest		20-Mar-2006 13:03
Thanks for the excellent series of very clear pictures of what it was like having surgery for an epidural. I am using them as a sample clinical case for our paramedic students, who need to see as much as possible exactly what happens to the patient in this kind of case. It also helps them to see that you are about the same age as most of them and that you are recovered and back riding (with helmet). Thanks and aloha from Dr. Bob, Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu.

HF_PDX		01-Feb-2006 02:20
my college boyfriend learned about helmets the hardway. He was just biking across campus in the dappled shade and didn't see the speed-bumps. Collapsed the bone arches on the side of his face, faced looked freakily flat on one side, cost big money to fix, still not quite fixed. Also another ex was killed, drunk motorcycle riding without helmet. Caused by instigating meathead fight in bar, followed by angry meathead chase/chicken contest. He was a sasquatch-sized rebel-intellectual, fancied himself too brilliant to be outgunned by physics. When I see the bikers around here without helmets, especially when they aren't in the bike lanes, taking chances, expecting that they are see-able...especially around all these blind curves with all the trees throwing crazy shadows.....

Harrison		27-Nov-2005 23:02
Hello, I'm writing a college english perusasive paper on why people should wear their helmets. I was wondering how much your brain surgery cost after your accident. Thanks Harrison

gundog99		28-Oct-2005 16:12
I hope you don't mind. I posted a link to this album from my blog http://mycompositions.blogspot.com/. I think your words and photos can help convince people to wear helmets when riding. I wonder, who shot the pics?

Nathalie		03-Aug-2005 00:09
Hi there, I come from a group of volunteer medical first responders where we constantly inform kids about wearing helmets when riding. I would like to thank you for posting these images and your story of recovery. I was also wondering if I can have your permission to use some of your pics for educational purposes to teach new first responders about head injuries. Please let me know.

Johnny Chiang		25-Jun-2005 06:49
whoa! I'm glad you recovered. I will buy a helmet soon!

Ken Seebeck		22-Jun-2005 01:36
Thank you for posting these and for wearing your helmet. Awesome story, glad you pulled through.

Steve Martin		07-Jan-2005 23:50
Tom... You've influenced me more than you can imagine. I'll admit, I've ridden sans helmet on ocassion. Never again! -sm

Noel Ting		01-Sep-2004 09:18
buti nga sayo

Beck		19-Aug-2004 00:56
Nice pics. I'm printing your stapled head for my brother as a reminder to wear his helmet. If I catch him without it again, I'll be printing your cracked skull pictures, in full gore. Thanks much for the "shock treatment". -Beck

Si Kirk		27-Apr-2004 01:06
awesome images, glad you are on the mend, just goes to show you should allways wear your lid!

Jason Curry		23-Apr-2004 13:26
This is an amazing story of survival and luck! I hope you are 100% and back leading a normal life. These images are spectacular and make me feel proud as to how far we have evolved. God bless, God speed and thank God for helmets =)

Dan Chusid		21-Nov-2003 03:08
Wow! Pretty intense images. I'll think twice next time I'm on my bike. - DC

susan		19-Nov-2003 19:48
how did you get these shots w/your lid off? jk

Terry Spradley		16-Oct-2003 22:36
Wow, amazing pictures. Anchoring the lid back on was extreme. That is why my helmet cost $160. Glad it all turned out well. http://spradtracks.tripod.com

click on thumbnails for full image