https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2...
https://www.bustle.com/articles/35791-watch-inspiring-violin...
I've watched a few myself in person. Sometimes it's crucial to monitor preservation of function -- this is how it's done. Awake brain surgery isn't as crazy as it may seem.
It's totally logical, but wildly scary sounding. Is there any sort of anesthesia that is delivered which... I don't know... changes your perception as the patient to not think about the fact someone is poking your brain?
Clearly they can eliminate the local feeling of the surgery, but how do you stop people from freakinggggggg out that it's happening? :P
They don't really do this, your brain has no pain receptors so you can't feel what they are doing by default. I do not think they would use any sort of drug to stop people from freaking out as well, because they would imply that the drug is messing with your brain chemistry in some way which can cloud any problems they are trying to notice.
The whole idea behind the awake brain surgery is to quickly notice any changes in cognitive function from the person being operated on.
But thanks for the links! Very interesting!