Singing through surgery: How an awake brain procedure gave a young woman her life back

When a young woman walked into CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, with a brain tumour dangerously close to the areas controlling her speech and movement, the risks were clear. Any surgical misstep could have altered her ability to speak, move, or even live independently.

The surgery was led by Dr. Rathijit Mitra, Neurosurgeon at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, who opted for an awake brain surgery, a highly specialised technique used when tumours or lesions are located near the brain’s eloquent areas—regions responsible for critical functions like speech, movement and sensation.

“In such cases, keeping the patient awake allows us to continuously test and preserve vital brain functions while removing the tumour,” explains Dr. Mitra.

Before the procedure, the patient underwent detailed counselling and psychological assessment. On the day of the operation, the anaesthesia team administered local anaesthetic to the scalp so she felt no pain. Once the skull was opened, the patient was gently awakened.

As the surgery progressed, she was asked to talk, count, respond to questions, and sing. A speech and language therapist and neurology team closely monitored every response, helping Dr. Mitra map the brain in real time and safely remove the tumour.

“The moment her speech or tone changes, we know we’re close to a sensitive area. That feedback is invaluable,” says Dr. Mitra.

The operation was a success. The tumour was removed, and the patient emerged without any loss of speech or motor function. Within days, she was recovering steadily—able to talk, move, and smile with relief.
Awake brain surgery sounds almost unreal, but it’s one of the clearest examples of how far neurosurgery has come. It’s not just about machines and monitors. It’s about teamwork. Neurosurgeons, anaesthetists, neurologists, speech therapists, psychologists — everyone has a role, and everything has to move in sync. The patient isn’t just lying there. They’re part of the process.

For the team at CMRI, moments like that stay with you. Because surgery isn’t only about removing a tumour or fixing a problem on a scan. It’s about protecting who someone is — their voice, their memories, the things that make their life feel like theirs. Saving a life matters. But preserving the life someone loves to live? That matters just as much.