Post Brain Surgery Symptoms
Brain surgery (or a craniotomy) is probably one of the most frightening operations to undergo. It's important to ask your doctor any and all questions you may have regarding the surgery and recovery. Bring a close friend or family member with you to doctor's appointments for emotional support before and after surgery.
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Reasons for brain surgery
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Doctors suggest brain surgery for a variety of problems, including brain tumor, blood clots in the brain, too much pressure in the brain, reconstruction of the skull, brain aneurysm, stroke, bleeding in the brain, infection or buildup of fluid. Some of these reasons require immediate treatment. Total recovery time depends on the reason for your surgery and your overall general health before the operation. Certain surgical procedures may also lengthen recovery time. Some people can expect to make a full recovery in eight weeks, and partial recovery in one to four weeks. You may spend a year or more in recovery.
Symptoms immediately after surgery
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Immediately after surgery, patients will be watched closed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most patients will be on IV fluids as well as pain medications. Doctors and nurses will monitor intracranial pressure along with your vital signs. Patients who are awake, alert and stable will usually move to a regular hospital room. Expect the sutures in your scalp to be removed in about a week. Some patients are able to return home after their hospital stay; others may need time in a rehabilitation center. Some doctors may prescribe anticonvulsants to help prevent seizures or steroids to combat swelling. It is not uncommon for patients to experience headaches after surgery. Your brain has experienced trauma, so it may take time for headaches to fade. You may have some itching around your incision site and even some numbness. Dizziness, confusion, fatigue and short-term memory loss are also common. Episodes of these symptoms may come and go during recovery, according to cancerhelp.org.
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Several weeks after surgery
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You may experience problems with your memory, speech or understanding. Weakness and nerve paralysis are also possible. You may still experience some headaches. It is common to feel discouraged or frustrated during this time as you strive to regain your strength. This is when it is important to have the support of friends and family to help you with tasks you may not be strong enough for yet. Most symptoms will decrease as you recover. Depending on the reason for your surgery, your doctor may want you to begin other treatments such as chemotherapy. You may also need to begin physical therapy to regain balance and strength.
Continuing symptoms
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Physical therapy may continue for months after brain surgery to help you regain the balance you had before surgery. Check with your doctor on when it is OK to return to activities. You may still experience some fatigue. Any hair you may have lost as a result of surgery should grow back in. Depending on which part of your brain was operated on, you may experience long-term weakness in one arm or leg, or speech problems. It may require additional rehabilitation to help restore strength and function.
Warning
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Call your doctor if you run a fever, experience sudden severe headaches, have drainage from your incision site, a seizure or a stiff neck. You will be put under general anesthesia for the surgery, which comes with its own set of risks.
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