Grief in the circle of neurosurgery: observing through the lens of science, spirituality, and philosophy.
Jai Deep Thakur, Sree Kalyan Patiballa, Jigar M Patel, Nidhi Setya, Puja Paudel, Ankita Patel, Ursula Noelle Hummel, Mehdi Khaleghi
Neurosurgical focus August 1, 2026 DOI: 10.3171/2026.5.focus26175 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Breathwork Meditative practices |
| Keywords | Humans Adaptation, psychological Grief Spirituality Neurosurgery Neurosurgeons Caregivers Ikigai |
| Key points | Argues that grief in neurosurgery affects patients, families, and the full range of providers, and that these groups experience grief differently. Proposes that psychological and spiritual reflection, including the concept of ikigai combined with evidence-based breathwork and meditative practices, may support coping for those who care for the grieving. |
Abstract
The experience of grief within neurosurgery extends across a diverse range of individuals, including patients, but also caregivers, neurosurgeons, trainees, advanced practice providers, and the nursing staff who care for neurosurgical patients. This congregation of individuals constitutes the sacred thread woven in the circle of neurosurgery. This interconnected circle is united by a string of life-changing experiences, most of which are profoundly rewarding. However, some experiences leave a deep, regretful mark on the "self," even when the highest standards are upheld in the operating room. In this article, authors from different expertise combine to discuss the factors that encompass the experience of grief among those who face the terminal phases of their lives, their loved ones, and those who incurred grief from the act of doer-ship (neurosurgeons and providers). The authors discuss the different dynamics of grief at play between these cohorts, which may be insightful for those caring for them, and delve into psychological and spiritual reflections on their potential roles in coping mechanisms. They introduce the concept of ikigai in the context of grief, particularly in conjunction with evidence-based breathwork and meditative practices.