How to Prepare for Brain Surgery Side Effects

It is never too soon to prepare for the possible side effects of brain surgery. There are risks for any surgery, and brain surgery is certainly no exception. In fact, the possibility for serious side effects is present simply because the brain is the nerve center of the body. Damage to any part of the brain can have life-changing consequences. Read on to learn how to prepare for brain surgery side effects.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand that the same general side effects that are possible with any surgery, such as bleeding, blood clots and infection, are possible with brain surgery. Any time the skin barrier is broken, there is an opportunity for infection to set in. Likewise, bleeding is always a possibility when incisions are made through and near blood vessels.

2. Prepare for neurological side effects, such as a stroke. This is always a concern when operating on the brain tissue. The control centers of the brain are so precise that the tiniest amount of pressure or infiltration can cause a stroke.

3. Find seizures on the list of brain surgery side effects. While brain surgery is often performed to control epileptic seizures, ironically, seizures can manifest as an untoward result of brain surgery.

4. Realize that swelling of the brain may occur following an invasive procedure. In some cases, the swelling is so extensive that a second procedure has to be performed to relieve the pressure. If intervention is delayed, major brain damage can occur, resulting in a variety of possible adverse consequences.

5. Know that any nerve damage that occurs in the brain may result in weakness or paralysis of muscles. The extent of muscle dysfunction depends on the amount of brain tissue compromised by damage.

6. Expect brain surgery side effects such as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak to be more prevalent with brain surgeries closer to the neck. Adequate precautions must be taken during the surgery to reduce the chances for CSF leakage.

7. Realize that one of the possible side effects of brain surgery is the loss of some capacity of mental function. In many cases, this is resolved as the brain heals and all the swelling goes down. The possibility of permanent brain damage with related disabilities is a concern when mental functions do not return to normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your future caregiver with you to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor. Doing so will prepare the family member or friend to be more effective in assisting you during the recovery process.

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[michael1111111]

on 9/3/2009 Brain Surgery should be your Last decision ever!! after you have exhaustive all alternative meds, etc. Even then prepare for paralysis, emotional psychotice episodes, total disability, memory problems, sex problems, speech problems...in other words your life will be one big problem...Never ever trust anything a rich brain surgeon tells you...I did and am ruined for life.

[tigersluv]

on 6/18/2009 my mom is saying she's losing her visions. can this be a side effect or the brain surgery she just had 3 months ago?

[sheffieldraff]

on 8/30/2007 I had surgery for a bleed and I suffered serious headaches, lost my ability to read, and my speech was seriously effected. I also have trouble with short term memory and with learning new things. My emotions had a life of their own for the first year.