Craniotomy is a surgical opening made in the skull. This is done to reach and treat several types of problems in the brain. Special tools are used to temporarily remove a piece of the skull. This allows access to the brain for surgery. The most common reasons for having a craniotomy include:
- A blood clot (hematoma)
- Tumors
- Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
- Brain abscess
After a craniotomy is done, the surgeon will talk with your family and friends. After the surgery, you will be taken to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to be closely monitored as you wake up. Once you are stable, you'll be moved to the ICU (intensive care unit) for continued close monitoring and care.
Right after surgery
On waking, you may have a headache, nausea, and body aches. Your nurses can give you medicines to ease the pain and nausea. Monitors may be used to measure your heart rate or the pressure inside your skull. You may be wearing special leg stockings (compression stockings) to help prevent blood clots. And, for a short while, you may need oxygen by mask or, if you are not breathing well enough on your own, you will have a tube in your mouth attached to a machine (ventilator) to help you breathe.
In your hospital room
You may be moved from the ICU to a regular hospital room within several days or longer, depending on your condition. Once in your room, you're taught breathing exercises to help keep your lungs clear. Your health care team will work to have you eating and walking as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation
If you're having a hard time doing certain physical activities, therapy may be prescribed. Depending on your needs, therapists can work with you to improve balance, strength, speech, and daily living skills. You may need an assistive device like a walker or wheelchair. If you're having problems with strength, balance, or movement, your therapist may suggest installing handrails in hallways or bathrooms at home for safety. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a specialized helmet after surgery during rehabilitation to protect the brain from damage.
Online Medical Reviewer: Anne Fetterman RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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Discharge Instructions for Craniotomy
You had a craniotomy, which is the surgical opening of the skull. Your healthcare provider needed to do this to perform brain surgery. Recovery after a craniotomy varies, depending on why the procedure was done. The guidelines provided here are for general care. Ask your healthcare provider to provide additional information based on your specific condition.
AVM: Recovering from surgery
After AVM surgery is done, the surgeon will talk with your loved ones. You'll wake up in a recovery area. Then you'll be moved to a special unit, often an ICU (intensive care unit), where you can be closely watched.
Other Treatments After Craniotomy
After a craniotomy, medicines are often prescribed to treat side effects and help you feel better. If you had surgery for a brain tumor, you may also have chemotherapy or radiation.
Discharge Instructions for Concussion
You have been diagnosed with a concussion. This is a type of brain injury caused by a sudden impact to your head. It can also be caused by sudden movement of your brain inside your head, such as from forceful shaking. Some concussions are mild, and most patients have a full recovery. Others are severe. Early care and monitoring are important to prevent long-term complications.
