Many people experience language impairments immediately following left-hemisphere brain surgery. However, the majority of these impairments have improved by one month following surgery.
The biggest risks with brain surgery include loss of function, such as the ability to speak, walk or think. Some people need rehabilitation after surgery to regain function.
Many brain injury survivors regain their ability to speak by promoting neuroplasticity. The most effective way to promote neuroplasticity is to continuously practice the exact skills you wish to improve. Consistent repetition stimulates the brain and reinforces demand for that function.
Some people recover well after brain surgery, but this can take some time. Other people have some problems, or long term difficulties. The problems you may have depends on the area of the brain where the tumour was (or still is if you only had part of the tumour removed).
Brain injuries can have significant effects on behaviour, impacting impulse control and self awareness. These effects stem from damage to areas of the brain that regulate emotions and impulses and include anger, impulsive behaviour, self-centeredness, impaired awareness and even violence.
After your brain tumor surgery, you will likely spend the night in a neuro-critical care unit (NCCU) for observation. You may be connected to IVs, a heart monitor, a catheter and an oxygen mask. You will also have a dressing (bandage) on your head for a day or two.
Avoid risky activities, such as climbing a ladder, for 3 months after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 3 months or until your doctor says it is okay. Do not play any rough or contact sports for 3 months or until your doctor says it is okay.
As with any brain surgery, awake brain surgery has the potential for risks and complications. These include bleeding, brain swelling, infection, brain damage or death. Other surgical complications may include seizures, muscle weakness, and problems with memory and thinking.
Momentary dizziness or confusion. Difficulty swallowing. You may have your swallowing checked by a speech therapist before you're allowed to eat or drink anything. New symptoms, which might include personality changes, poor balance and co-ordination, speech problems, weakness and epileptic seizures (fits)
Despite initial hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation services, about 50% of people with TBI will experience further decline in their daily lives or die within 5 years of their injury. Some of the health consequences of TBI can be prevented or reduced.
“Any type of brain injury, regardless of severity, can cause personality changes — and some patients may not experience any personality changes at all,” said Dr. Thomas. For patients who do experience personality changes, common symptoms include: Becoming quick to anger or frustration.
While life after brain injury will not be easy, it is still possible to achieve happiness. Your life may look a lot different now, but it can still be worthwhile.
Unlike most other injuries, a brain injury doesn't simply heal in time and many people who sustain a moderate or severe brain injury will never fully recover to be the person they once were and live the life they once lived. But with the right help, at the right time, there can be life after brain injury.
A plethora of complications from traumatic brain injuries, ranging from minor cognitive delays to debilitating and life threatening symptoms such as seizures and coma, can follow the victim for years after the injury. You need to know that brain injury recovery time can take anywhere from a few weeks to ten years.
After a craniotomy, the bone flap will mend itself over time and partially heal back into the rest of the skull bone within 2 to 3 months. Full recovery can take a few months and depends on the underlying condition that was treated.
Traditionally, patients stay one night in intensive care and, if doing well, will be transferred out to a regular hospital room the next day. A majority of the IVs and monitors, such as the bladder catheter, are usually removed on the morning following surgery. You will be allowed to eat a regular breakfast.
Walking after brain injury can be a long and difficult process, but it is achievable with hard work and dedication.