Cranial trepanation. An ancient neurosurgical therapy? Thoughts of a follower of positivist medicine and anthropology

The authors' aim is to define a framework around the history of studies and analyses on cranial trepanation. In addition, based on the analytical approach of Abele de Blasio, the authors would like to reach an understanding of the various different interpretations of the origin and aetiology of the art of cranial trepanation, starting in the prehistoric era. In this brief study, historical discussions are intertwined with ethnoiatric and anthropometric techniques of the author, leading the reader into a fascinating discussion on the practice of trepanation in ancient populations.