Cranial Surgery - Post-op Instructions

Wound care

• Keep the incision completely dry until after staples are removed. Avoid hats and ensure the wound does not get sweaty. Wash hands well before touching the incision.
• Staples/sutures will generally be removed 2 weeks after surgery. Call the office if you do not have an appointment arranged
• Ointments/creams are not necessary. If you experience any drainage or increasing redness/tenderness to the incision, call the office right away.
• Hair around the incision may be washed every 3 days with baby shampoo
• Use caution with hairdryers as staples will heat quickly

Activity

• If involved in physical therapy, continue regimen as prescribed by physical therapist
• Gentle walking should be done daily. Have someone accompany you for the first few times until you feel comfortable. Avoid straining or bearing down. Avoid smoking
• A headache or fatigue can be a sign you’re doing too much too quickly
• Avoid driving for the first month after surgery. This may be longer depending on the type of surgery, history of any seizures, and current symptoms. Do not drive until cleared by the office
• Return to work will depend on the type of surgery and what work you did prior to surgery. Do not return to work until cleared by the office
  

Medications

• Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs, usually Keppra) are extremely important to prevent seizures
• Continue taking your AED, if prescribed. Do not allow prescription run out unless directed to do so by office
• Completely finish any steroid regimens, if prescribed. Be sure to take an acid blocker (Pepcid, Preavid, Tums, etc.) while on steroids to prevent heartburn. Take with food.
• Avoid blood thinners (Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Eliquis, etc.) until cleared by the office
• Take pain medication only as directed. You should begin to wean the amount and frequency of pain medications you take every couple of days or so
• Be sure to take a gentle over the counter laxative (Colace, etc) while taking pain medication to prevent constipation. Walking will also help with this.
• Take a general multivitamin daily for at least the first month after surgery
• For any refill requests, call the office only during regular office hours-  Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm

Diet

• Continue your regular diet from before surgery unless directed by office. Avoid alcohol
• If diabetic, continue strict diabetic diet adherence to promote healthy wound healing
• Be sure to eat a diet high in fiber or take a fiber supplement daily for the first month

When to call office

• Any drainage from incision, or increasing redness or swelling.  Fever greater than 101.4
• New seizures, intense worsening of headache, visual changes, weakness on one side of the body. Any usual behavior or excessive sleepiness.
• Calf tenderness or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, burning with urination
• Constipation not alleviated by over the counter laxatives or suppositories/enemas