There are a number of different things you can do after brain surgery to help ease your recovery. It is important to have one or more people to support you during your recuperation. You should get plenty of rest and allow yourself time to heal. Make sure you understand what symptoms or issues are normal during recovery from surgery, and which ones are signs that you should seek medical attention. Depending on which part of your brain was affected, you may also need rehabilitation therapy with a specialist.
One of the most important things you will need after brain surgery is one or more people to help you. You will likely be tired, dizzy, or disoriented for some time after the operation, so having friends or family who understand what needs to occur during that time is typically a necessity. They can help with things like keeping track of any medications you need or watching for any abnormal symptoms. They will also be able to assist with day-to-day tasks you might not be able to do for yourself, like cooking or taking care of children.
After brain surgery, it is important to allow yourself the time you need to recover. The amount of time it takes will vary depending on the extent of your surgery and which part of the brain was affected; it is important to talk to your doctor to get an idea of how long you will need. Try to get plenty of rest and not push yourself to do more than possible too quickly.
Another thing to be aware of after brain surgery is any symptoms that might arise, and whether or not they should be cause for alarm. Your doctor should talk to you and anyone caring for you about symptoms and whether or not they are normal or dangerous. Normal side effects of brain surgery can include headaches, poor coordination, and speech problems. Symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention can include seizures, hallucinations, or trouble breathing.
If you suffer from long-term issues as a result, rehabilitation may be necessary after brain surgery. Operations on certain parts of the brain can lead to loss of strength or balance, impairment of cognitive function, or problems with speech. You may need to work with a physical, occupational, or speech therapist to regain any skills you may have lost.
