Which term describes an incision made from behind the ear to allow examination of the brain?

• A. Intermastoid Incision
• B. Craniotomy
• C. Suboccipital Incision
• D. Frontal Craniotomy

Answer: (A)

An incision behind the ear that runs between the mastoid processes to access the cranial cavity is described as an intermastoid incision. This route provides direct exposure to the brain through a postero-lateral approach, which is why it’s the best term for examining the brain from that location. It’s different from a suboccipital incision, which is located at the back of the skull near the neck; a frontal craniotomy, which is through the forehead region; and craniotomy, a general term for removing skull bone to reach the brain, which could use various incisions but isn’t specifically the behind-the-ear route.