How to Know When to Call the Doctor After Brain Surgery

The responsibility of knowing when to call the doctor after brain surgery is often left up to the caregiver. This is certainly the case if symptoms include a loss of mental function or other serious complications. It is important for both the patient and the primary caregiver to have a clear understanding of the discharge orders listing reasons to call the doctor or 911. Read on to learn how to know when to call the doctor after brain surgery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the patient's temperature daily for the first 10 days, or according to the doctor's instructions. A fever is often the first sign of an infection. An open craniotomy (brain surgery) and a minimally invasive procedure can both lead to infection at the suture site or inside the brain. Notify the doctor when a temperature is above 101 degrees F, or whatever your doctor has stipulated.

2. Observe for any signs of stroke or paralysis. This could be a sign of swelling in the brain or obstructed blood flow to the brain. Immediate intervention is required. Your doctor may instruct you at that time to call 911 for emergency admission to the hospital.

3. Report any seizure activity to your doctor. This may be a temporary problem or it could require additional surgical intervention.

4. Check the incisions daily to observe for any signs of infection. If the incision is red, swollen, draining or painful, call your doctor.

5. Notify your doctor if you observe any rashes or the patient experiences dizziness. This may be a reaction to medication given as a result of the brain surgery.

6. Inform the doctor if the patient is excessively drowsy. This could be a result of medication, or it could mean there is swelling in the brain at the treatment site. If drowsiness advances quickly to lethargy, call the doctor immediately.

7. Monitor the level of headache pain. While there may be some discomfort associated with the surgery, the headaches should not increase during the recovery process. Any increase may be the result of the brain swelling. Notify the doctor for intervention.

8. Understand vomiting or severe neck pain are both signs of possible neurological abnormality following brain surgery. Call the doctor for instructions.

9. Call 911 immediately if the patient suddenly becomes agitated and confused. The paramedic or emergency room will notify the patient's doctor after an initial assessment.

Tips & Warnings

• Prior to surgery, ask the doctor how his office handles emergency calls after hours. You need to know how rapidly he or one of his associates will respond to your call and when you should call 911.
• Keep the office number in an obvious location so you will know how to contact the doctor immediately.

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