Awake brain surgery (Craniotomy) is a surgical procedure performed on the brain of an awake patient. Since the brain is an organ that is pain insensitive, the procedure involves administration of a local anesthetic agent merely to the scalp. Awake brain surgery is mainly indicated when a tumor impinges on important areas of the brain that control speech or limb movements. The patient is instructed to perform certain activities such as speaking when a tumor is being removed. Part of the tumor is left unexcised if a hindrance is noted in performing those activities, through speech arrest, for instance. The anesthetist plays an important role during this procedure by putting the patient into a sleep-wake-sleep cycle: The patient is sedated during the initial opening of the skull till the point when the tumor is reached. During tumor removal, the patient remains awake but is put back to sleep when the skull is closed. The advantages of this procedure include early patient mobilization and a shorter hospital stay.