Craniotomy
What is Craniotomy?
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure where a section of the skull (called a bone flap) is temporarily removed to access the brain. After the surgery, the bone flap is usually replaced. Craniotomies are performed for various reasons, including treating brain tumors, aneurysms, or traumatic brain injuries. It's a delicate procedure and is often done by a neurosurgeon.
How to diagnose Craniotomy? When to consult a doctor?
A doctor assesses motor functions, reflexes, vision, speech, and cognitive abilities to identify abnormalities related to brain function. Provides detailed images of the brain to detect bleeding, tumors, or other issues.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Sudden or Severe Headache: Especially if it’s different from any headache you’ve had before.
- Unexplained Seizures: Particularly if you’ve never had them before.
- Loss of Coordination or Weakness: If you have difficulty walking, using your hands, or notice weakness on one side of your body.
- Confusion or Memory Loss: Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions can be signs of brain pressure or injury.
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Causes
- To remove or biopsy tumors in the brain, whether cancerous or benign.
- To relieve pressure caused by bleeding or swelling in the brain after an injury.
- To treat a bulging blood vessel in the brain that could rupture.
- To stop bleeding in the brain, often due to stroke or trauma.
- In certain cases, to remove the part of the brain causing severe seizures.
- If an infection or pus is found in the brain, surgery may be needed to drain it.
Symptoms
- Severe Headaches
- Seizures
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Weakness or Numbness
- Speech or Vision Problems
- Personality Changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients typically require follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery, assess any neurological changes, and manage symptoms. Physical, speech, or occupational therapy may be necessary, depending on the impact of the surgery.
Most patients recover fully, though some may experience long-term effects, especially if the surgery involved critical areas of the brain. Persistent headaches, changes in sensation, or motor function, and, in rare cases, seizures may occur.
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient's condition. Hospital stays usually last between 3-10 days. Full recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's overall health.