What should I be prepared for after a craniotomy?!


Question: What should I be prepared for after a craniotomy.?
Answers:
At home:
Once you are home, it is important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your physician will give you specific bathing instructions. If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. If adhesive strips are used, they should be kept dry and generally will fall off within a few days.

You may choose to wear a loose turban or hat over the incision. You should not wear a wig until the incision is completely healed (about 3 to 4 weeks after surgery).

The incision and head may ache, especially with deep breathing, coughing, and exertion. Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your physician. Aspirin or other blood thinning medications may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medications and ask if you are unsure.

You should continue the breathing exercises used in the hospital to prevent lung infection. You will be advised to avoid exposure to upper respiratory infections (colds and flu) and irritants, such as tobacco smoke, fumes, and environmental pollution.

You should gradually increase your physical activity as tolerated. It may take several weeks to return to your previous level of energy and strength.

You may be instructed to avoid lifting heavy items for several weeks in order to prevent strain on your surgical incision.

Do not drive until your physician gives you permission.

Notify your physician to report any of the following:

fever and/or chills
redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the incision site or face
increased pain around the incision site
vision changes
confusion or excessive sleepiness
weakness of your arms or legs
speech difficulty
difficulty breathing, chest pain, anxiety, or change in mental status
green, yellow, or blood-tinged sputum (phlegm)
seizure activity
Following a craniotomy, your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions, depending on your particular situation.

Online Resources
The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

This page contains links to other Web sites with information about this procedure and related health conditions. We hope you find these sites helpful, but please remember we do not control or endorse the information presented on these Web sites, nor do these sites endorse the information contained here.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)

American Neurological Association

American Stroke Association

American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)

Brain Tumor Society

National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF)

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Library of Medicine (NLM
Health Question & Answer



The consumer health information on youqa.cn is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2012 YouQA.cn -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Q&A Resources