The present headrest for neurosurgery evolved as a result of dissatisfaction with available models, which are limited in use and are unduly heavy and complex. Previously I had used a cerebellum rest for face-down positions, a ganglion rest for tic operations, and a third headrest for sitting positions when available, or, as was often the case, makeshift substitutes largely composed of adhesive tape. The necessity of using these various headrests in different hospitals, none with its own equipment, and the resultant difficulties of transporting them forced the resolution to develop a single, lightweight rest. Although versatility, simplicity, rigidity, and portability were the prime considerations, it was felt that the rest should be adaptable to any standard operating table, and this feature has also been incorporated. As a result of conversations with other surgeons and with instrument manufacturers it was thought that there was a general need for a lightweight headrest