After craniotomy: What can I expect when I wake up and after?

Welcome to the group, there's a lot of great people in these chats. Hopefully you can get lots of helpful information. Some good tips and make some friends.

My 29 yo daughter had brain surgery - twice so far.

It is awesome you have done well for 16 years, without surgery. Any treatments otherwise? Chemo at all? May I ask how old you are?

How you feel after the surgery depends on where the glioma is located. I am an RN, worked in ICU.

What medical center are you having brain surgery at, may I ask?

I had radiation and chemo in 2009 when I was diagnosed at 42 yrs old. I had more chemo in 2018, and have recently tried the new Voranigo but became neutropenic. Ive been with Mayo since the beginning.

Having a craniotomy (insular glioma) in few weeks. Getting more nervous in general about having permanent pain or strange sensation near incision site, as well as permanent mobility issues. Can anyone describe what to expect right when I wake up?? Then after a week or so??Thanks!

Hello,
I had a craniotomy 9 months ago. The incision was just above the frontal hairline and went almost ear to ear. There was virtually no post-operative pain in the skin, scalp or skull. I have lack of sensation in the top of my head because of a cut nerve, and the incision still itches, but that’s about it. The surgeon will probably apply a postoperative topical anesthetic and you’ll be offered pain medication, but I doubt you’ll need it. Same for a week later, it doesn’t hurt. As for mobility issues, that would probably depend on the tumor location. Best to ask your neurosurgeon about that. Good luck and please keep us posted.

@kdog1957
Wow , thank you sooo much! Very helpful!!

Glad to be of help. Will you be having follow-up radiation treatment?

Had 6 weeks radiation in 2009 right after diagnosis. Temodar then too, again in 2018, and now tumor board says safer to do resection than back at diagnosis.I have a slow growing insular glioma so oncologist wants to try tibsovo after surgery.
Thanks again!

Wow, you’ve been dealing with this for a while. My hat’s off to you. Stay strong.

@jeanneoc, you might also be interested in these related discussions:
- What is recovery after craniotomy like? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-is-recovery-after-craniotomy-like/
- Craniotomy in 9 days: What to expect? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/craniotomy-in-9-days/

Keep asking questions. There are many here ready to virtually journey alongside you. 🙂