FAQ From a Brain Surgeon

Visiting our clinic to speak with a brain surgeon can be intimidating. This is because brain surgery is such an extensive procedure that patients typically visit with significant concerns over what to expect, what complications may arise and what life will be like after the surgery. Naturally, this is not a surgery that most people have so few have colleagues, friends or family members that they can speak with. This makes it necessary to visit a surgeon that you can feel comfortable expressing these concerns to and having a dialogue over what to expect in general. We do our best to help patients be as comfortable as possible and are always open to answering as many questions as necessary to do so.

Some questions we here on a regular basis are:

How long does brain surgery take?

This really depends on the type of brain surgery. A craniotomy, for example, typically takes around four to six hours. We can provide a time estimate prior to performing the surgery so that waiting family knows what to expect. Patients are completely asleep and will have no recollection of what happened, so any timeframes typically just impact family members who are awaiting the results.

Will I be in the hospital a long time?

Not necessarily. Most people stay in the hospital for a week or two and then complete their recovery at home and with outpatient services such as rehabilitation and physical therapy.

How quickly can I return to work?

It is important to take the time necessary to fully recover. Patients should plan on not returning to work for quite a while.  It can take months to fully recover and how long exactly will depend on the type of brain surgery and where the surgery took place within the brain. This makes it wise for patients to tell employers that they will have a better understanding of the recovery process once the surgery is complete. In some cases, it is necessary for people to stop working altogether, while others experience a full and fast recovery. It really depends on the factors involved in each surgery. As a brain surgeon, we can give patients an idea of what to expect before surgery while providing more details afterward.

Is this going to impact my memory?

Brain surgery can impact memory if the area of the brain being operated on is responsible for memories. As a brain surgeon, we understand how the brain works and are careful to avoid touching or removing any of the areas of the brain that are responsible for important daily functions or memory, when possible. However, it is not always possible. When a tumor needs to be removed, for example, we must perform surgery in that area of the brain, regardless of where it is.

What should my family expect?

Families need to be patient during the recovery process. The best thing families can do is to provide love, support and care. It will be necessary for someone to be available at home to provide assistance and care during the recovery process so if family members need to take shifts, this is sometimes a possibility while other people tend to hire someone to provide in-home care during the day and rely on family members in the evening.

Speak with a brain surgeon

Remember that each situation is unique so the best way to find out what your recovery could be like is to schedule an appointment and speak with a brain surgeon in our office.