A craniotomy is a major surgical procedure. In this case, surgeons remove a small area of the skull to access the brain for various reasons. It includes diagnosing or treating other serious conditions. The operated area of the brain and the patient’s healing process can change the long-term side effects of craniotomy.
Headaches, nausea, weakness, and changes in cognitive function, such as difficulties with memory, attention, and trouble-fixing talents, are the common long-term side effects. Some people may experience long-term physical impacts after brain surgery.
Recovery from a craniotomy process generally takes about six to eight weeks. Patients mostly spend around one week in the hospital after surgery. At this time, patients need full body rest. And they return to their normal routine according to their surgeon’s advice. For this patients should regularly follow their appointment with the healthcare professional. They should also take drugs on time for recuperation.
These chronic side effects can be rare and vary in severity, but they are generally manageable with proper care and physical therapy.
Here we will learn about the long-term side effects of craniotomy, signs and symptoms, types, health complications, causes, and benefits.
What is a Craniotomy?
It is a type of brain surgery where a neurosurgeon will remove a piece of skull to access the patient’s brain. With the help of a specialized tool surgeon removes the section of bone which is known as bone flap. It is removed for a short period and then replaced after the completion of brain surgery. This kind of treatment is typically considered by a surgeon following a traumatic brain injury or the diagnosis of a brain tumor or other life-threatening condition.
Long-Term Side Effects of Craniotomy
This surgical process treats various medical conditions that can affect the brain. Below are some of the factors that require complications after craniotomy. It includes:
Brain Tumors
When a brain tumor needs to be removed from the skull, then craniotomy after effects occur. Surgical techniques are used to remove the tumor as soon as possible. Whether the tumor is benign or cancerous.
Infections
After surgery, it can happen, and if someone does not appropriately manage the complications, it could take longer. Infection like meningitis or abscesses.
Swelling and Inflammation
Surgeons may notice that post-operative swelling and contamination persist for a long time. It can cause strain on the brain and lead to signs that consist of complications, seizures, or cognitive impairment.
Scarring
All these scarring can vary in length and appearance depending on the type and level of the surgery. To manage and reduce the appearance of these scars, silicone gel is generally recommended by doctors.
Bleeding in Brain
Sometimes, blood vessels rupture and blood collects between the brain and the outer covering of the brain. Healthcare experts use this craniotomy process to remove blood clots and control bleeding caused by these conditions.
Pain and Discomfort
Headaches and continuous pain near the incision area can be long-term issues for the patients. The healthcare experts recommend their patients to use pain relievers and increase their physical activity.
Seizures
It is a common sign for individuals who undergo surgery for primary brain tumors. Early postoperative seizures occur in patients who go through craniotomy for brain tumors. Doctors can recommend Prophylactic administration of antiepileptic drugs to prevent seizures.
Motor Impairments
This is the most common difficulty after the surgical process. Some patients may experience weakness, paralysis, or problems with coordination and balance of the body.
Sensory Changes
It can also occur after this medical process. Due to stimulation of sensory or motor regions of the brain, it can bring some changes in the body parts. These are tingling sensations, numbness, or muscle contractions.
Difficulty in Speaking
Removal of a part of the skull to access the brain can lead to speech difficulties. The adverse effect of this operation can develop this type of health issue. Paitents can face various problems like language comprehension or fluency.
Cognitive Changes
This condition affects around 60 to 90 percent of people. Cognitive function can be better over time with the use of awake craniotomy methods. Some of the side effects of craniotomy are difficulty with memory, focus, reasoning, decision-making, and many more.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
These changes mostly appear after this process. Both changes can lead to depression and affect family relations. Doctors may suggest these changes to maintain a peaceful, clean, and calm environment at home. They also suggest to family members that they should try to understand the patient’s concerns.
Symptoms After Craniotomy Procedure
Patients may experience several symptoms during the recovery process. Below is the list of common indications:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Concentration issues
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Cervical muscle destruction
- Nerve entrapment
- Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid
- Itching
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Fever
Causes of Craniotomy
Below is the list of various reasons why this disease could occur:
- Brain tumor
- Skull fractures
- Brain aneurysms
- Blood clots in the brain
- Brain hemorrhage
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Epilepsy
- Abscess in brain
- Vascular malformations
Types of Craniotomy
Here are some common types:
- Burr Hole: This is the smallest type of this surgery. It involves the removal of a small piece of bone. To drain blood and fluid from the brain is the main purpose of this surgery.
- Extended Bifrontal: In this case, the surgeon makes a small cut behind the hairline. After that they remove the bone from the forehead to access tumors from the front of the brain. Doctors do not suggest minimally invasive surgery but it is use for cancer growth.
- Stereotactic: A surgeon can use many types of tests like MRI and CT scans to diagnose this condition. A surgeon performs imaging tests for creating 3D images of the brain. This method helps them to compare healthy and abnormal tissue.
- Endoscopic: The surgeon makes a small cut in the skull. After that they insert an endoscope. It is a small light instrument with a camera at the end. This helps to perform operations like biopsy and remove fluid or blood from abscesses.
- Awake Craniotomy: Surgeons perform it when the patient is awake. A surgeon will ask different questions during the surgery. From this procedure, they can monitor how the brain is functioning.
- Keyhole: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It connects with less scarring and takes a short time to recover. In this case, the surgeon makes a small cut behind the ear. They remove the brain tumor through this cut.
Risks or Complications of a Craniotomy
Some of the dangers and complications are as follows:
- Surgical risks
- Hemorrhage and bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to brain tissue
- Stroke
- Anesthesia Related Risks
- Cardiac issues
- Respiratory
- Allergic reactions
- Postoperative Complications
- Leakage of CSF
- Seizures
- Swelling in brain
- Hydrocephalus
Benefits of Craniotomy
There are several advantages to this surgery. Below is the list of its benefits:
- Removal of tumors
- Relief from pressure
- Repair of blood vessel
- Ease from Seizures
- Treatment of aneurysms
- Low risk of stroke
- Improved quality of life
- High chances of survival rate
Conclusion
A craniotomy is a surgical process to examine the brain. It can cause various chronic side effects, which depend on the specific condition and the brain part where the surgery is done. There are various types of long-term side effects of craniotomy from this surgery. Some people can experience physical challenges and some can mentally. It can have emotional and psychological effects on a patient’s life.
It is necessary for patients to regularly visit their healthcare specialist and take prescribed medications as suggested. These will help in managing its side effects and monitor for any new complications.
