Question 1

What can I expect after my brain surgery procedure?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, a return to normal life with improved energy and activity levels, and removal of any impairments resulting from brain damage are expected after brain surgery. Depending on the specific concern and the brain surgery type, as well as overall health, you can expect to live a healthier life with a prolonged lifespan. In some cases, major life changes, such as changing jobs, may become necessary. Diet and exercise plans may also be different from what was followed before the surgery. You can expect some tiredness in the initial weeks following the brain operation.

Question 2

What is the survival rate after brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Brain surgery survival rates depend on the severity of damage to be corrected, the brain surgery type to be performed and the age and health of the patient. On average, the long-term survival rate of brain surgery can be between 50-70% except in cases of malignant tumours where chances are lowered. In cases of brain operation performed for non-tumour related brain damage, the chances of survival are significantly enhanced.

Question 3

Can I work out after brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Working out involving heavy lifting and strenuous running is to be strictly avoided after a brain operation. Any activity that may cause sudden internal movements and strain, such as pushing or swimming, is also not recommended. It is necessary to consult with your doctor after brain surgery before starting any intense physical activity and get a complete follow-up assessment performed.

Question 4

How long does it take to recover from a brain surgery procedure?

Accepted Answer

Recovering from a brain tumour operation can take some time. Every individual takes their own time to recover from a brain tumour surgery. You may need to stay in the hospital for about 3-10 days after the surgery is complete. However, the length of your stay in the hospital also depends on your operation and how long you take to recover. It’s not always easy to immediately join work after a brain surgery.

Question 5

How risky is brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Brain surgery is done to help treat problems that occur in the brain and its surrounding structures. Some of the risks that can arise during a brain surgery are:

Reaction to anaesthetic medicines
Breathing problems
Blood clots and infections
Speech and memory problems, weakness in muscles. These may last for some time and go away after that
Bleeding in the brain
Stroke
Seizures
Brain infection
Brain swelling

Question 6

How long do I have to stay in the hospital for brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

It often takes some time before you can return to your normal activities after a brain surgery. To completely heal, you will need to rest amply. Each person requires a different time to recover after their surgery. The healing time depends on

The procedure followed to remove the brain tumour
The location of the tumour
The areas affected by the surgery
Your age and overall health at the time of surgery.

Generally, you may need to stay somewhere between 2-5 days in the hospital after the surgery.

Question 7

Will I be able to drive after brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Driving is a complex activity that requires several cognitive and behavioural skills and a decent amount of coordination. It's possible that you retain part of your driving abilities and can go back to driving, however, it's important to adhere to the legal requirements. It helps to take precautions such as taking a driving assessment. This is because, after a surgery, you may be at a risk of causing injury to yourself and others. As per law, you must inform the legal authorities if you plan to resume driving after brain surgery. In case you fail to inform them, then you may have to pay a fine as well. As per medical standards, you shouldn't resume driving until 6-12 months after your surgery.

Question 8

How do I prepare for brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Before your brain surgery begins, you will need to pass an assessment. This will help to check whether you’re fit for surgery. This includes tests to check if you’re fit for anaesthetic, fit for recovery, blood tests to check if your kidneys are working, ECG to check your heart functioning and X-rays and MRI scans. A week or two before the surgery, your doctor will brief you about the entire procedure. You can share any doubts or questions you have now with the surgeon. You may need to take some medicines before the surgery as per your doctor’s advice. There can be some breathing exercises too to help you deal with the anxiety.

Question 9

What are the different types of brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

A brain surgery is done to treat the brain and its parts. There can be various types of brain surgeries:

Craniotomy - This involves creating an incision for a bone flap for removing tumours, aneurysms, or abnormal brain tissues.
Biopsy - This involves removing a small part of brain tissue to examine under a microscope
Minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery - In this case, surgeons remove tumours or lesions through the nose and sinus with the help of an endoscope.
Minimally invasive neuroendoscopy - In this case, endoscopes are used to remove brain tumours
Deep brain stimulation - This involves inserting a small electrode in your brain to send electrical signals

Question 10

What happens after brain surgery?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the surgery, you’ll be monitored closely to ensure everything is working properly and that there are no complications. You’ll mostly be made to sit in an upright posture to prevent swelling of your face and brain. The recovery from the surgery depends on the type of surgery done. How long you stay in the hospital will depend on the success of your recovery. You may have to take pain medications during this time. Before leaving the hospital, your doctor will tell you how to take care of your wounds.

Brain Surgery