Discharge Instructions for Craniotomy

You had a craniotomy. This means your neurosurgeon made an opening in your skull to do brain surgery. Recovery after a craniotomy varies, depending on why you had the procedure. The guidelines provided here are for general care. Ask your doctor to provide more information based on your own condition.

Do's and don'ts include:

• Increase your activity slowly. Talk with your doctor about which activities you can start with. If you have physical and occupational therapists, they can provide a plan.
• Don't drive until your doctor says it's okay.
• Don't lift anything until your doctor says it's okay. Your doctor may tell you not to lift more than 10 pounds for a period of time.
• Take your medicine exactly as directed.
• Shower as needed. But keep your incision dry. You can wash your hair with mild soap after your stitches or staples have been removed.
• Don't put creams, lotions, or other ointments on your incision unless your doctor tells you to. Keeping the incision clean and dry will help it to heal quickly. Most stitches or staples in the scalp are removed in 7 to 10 days.
• Don't drink alcohol or use recreational drugs.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep. You may need to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
• Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar medicines unless your doctor says it's okay.
• Prevent post-operative constipation. You can do this by drinking plenty of water and walking a little bit each day.

Make a follow-up appointment as instructed by your doctor.

Call 911anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
• It is hard to think, move, speak, or see.
• Your body is jerking or shaking.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have trouble thinking clearly.
• You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
• Your incision comes open.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
  • A fever.
• You have any sudden vision changes.
• You have new or worse headaches.
• You fall and hit your head.
• You are sleeping more than you are awake.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• You have a fever over 100°F.
• You have a headache and you throw up.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.