This is typically a lethal lesion in a person of this age. As this stroke is so large, it will cause increased intracranial pressure as it swells, ultimately resulting in herniation and death. To prevent intracranial herniation, a hemicraniectomy can be performed (right image) wherein a skull flap is removed. Hence, the brain is allowed to swell and herniate extracranially. On the image on the right, one can see herniation of brain through the surgical opening. This procedure is most appropriate to consider in patients with very large strokes, especially those with large right sided lesions, wherein the primary language area is unaffected.