By Matthew Bennett

If you are about to go through brain surgery, know that this is a major operation that carries with it some risks of complications. That’s why it’s important that you be proactive and know of the best ways to avoid possible complications after the surgical process.

  • Discuss with the doctor the possible lifestyle changes that you would undertake. It’s best that you consult with your doctor before you have your brain surgery, so that you would know what to expect. Do be aware that brain surgery could minimize the activities that you would do in the future, such as driving and lifting heavy weights.
  • Know what to expect. Brain surgery, depending on why it was necessary in the first place, could call for as little as eight weeks recovery time, to as much as a year. During the first few weeks post-op, doctors and nurses would closely monitor you so they could record your intracranial pressure and other vital signs. You would likely need to stay on in the hospital for some time after the operation, so the health care givers could easily address whatever negative symptoms you might experience.
  • Get as much rest as you can. Your doctor should give you detailed information about the things you should do in the first few weeks and months after your surgery. For example, you will be required to have complete bed rest and absolutely refrain from doing household tasks. Your doctor should also specify a light exercise regimen that will be beneficial to improving the blood flow to your brain and throughout your entire body, and which would help strengthen your immunity.
  • Be in close communication with your doctor. It’s good to have a journal to record whatever symptoms you experience post-op. Do expect to experience headaches, memory problems, fatigue, and dizziness in the first few weeks after surgery. Though these are common, have somebody record his or her occurrences in as detailed a manner as possible (its length, a description of its intensity, etc). Once you consult with your doctor, having these organized and detailed records will help him determine the situation and prescribe measures to counter them.
  • Eat well. The period after surgery is when the body is extremely sensitive and vulnerable, and it pays to equip it with as much tools as you can to help facilitate its recovery. Inquire with your doctor about the best food to eat; definitely alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine are not your friends during this time (or any other time, for that matter).
  • Know when to call in your doctor. If you have already been released from the hospital and recovering at home, make sure that your doctor’s phone number is listed near the phone so the people at home could call him during emergencies. Symptoms to watch out for: sudden, intense headaches; slurred speech; loss of vision; stiff neck; drainage from your suture site; and seizures.

Brain surgery is a major operation and it really is important that you take extra care of your body and your health post-op. Work with your doctor and enlist your entire family’s help to best get you through this time.