Dagmar Turner (53) is a violinist in an orchestra. Last year it appeared that a tumor in her head, despite radiation, continued to grow and therefore had to be removed. Research showed that the tumor was close to an area that controls the fine movement of her left hand.
The plan
Turner was afraid that after her operation she could no longer play the violin: “The violin is my passion,” she said. “I’ve been playing since I was ten years old. My heart breaks with the thought that playing would come to an end.”
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The surgeon had a plan: first the areas of her brain that were active during violin playing were mapped. Turner then went under anesthesia so that surgeons could make an opening in her skull.
Halfway through she was woken up and given her violin. While she was playing, surgeons removed the tumor. While playing, doctors kept a close eye on Turner.
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Patients are woken up more often during this type of operation. They usually receive a language test, which is also intended to prevent crucial areas of the brain from being damaged.
First time
For the King’s College hospital in London, where 400 such operations take place annually, it was the first time they had a patient play an instrument.
The treating doctor is satisfied with the procedure. They have managed to remove more than 90 percent of the tumor and Turner can still play her beloved instrument.
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