Which period did trephination practices occur?

Trephination, a surgical practice that involves drilling or scraping a hole in the human skull, has been traced back to ancient times. It is most well-known for its prevalence from the Stone Age through to the Middle Ages. This method was often used with the belief that it could release evil spirits or alleviate various mental disorders, headaches, or seizures. Archaeological evidence indicates that trephination dates back as far as 10,000 years, with many examples found in ancient skulls and remains across various cultures.

The context around the time frame is critical; this practice would not fit neatly into the other specified periods. The early modern period, Renaissance, and Victorian era had different medical approaches and understandings of mental health, moving away from such invasive procedures in favor of evolving methods based on anatomical and physiological knowledge. Therefore, recognizing the historical timeline that marks the use of trephination is essential to understanding its role in the history of medical practices related to mental health.