How long does it take to recover from a craniectomy?

The recovery time varies from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the underlying disease being treated and your general health. Full recovery may take up to 8 weeks. Walking is a good way to begin increasing your activity level.

What can I expect after a decompressive craniectomy?

Some people will remain unconscious for days or weeks following surgery. Some may even be in a coma or vegetative state. Following a craniectomy, it is essential to protect the brain from further injury. This usually requires the individual to wear a custom-fitted helmet for several weeks to several months.

How effective is decompressive craniectomy?

Decompressive craniectomy (DC), when performed correctly, can effectively reduce intracranial pressure (ICP), prevent cerebral herniation, and save lives. A successful DC allows the brain to swell out of the rigid confines of the skull, thus reducing the risk of further neurologic injury as a result of increased ICP.

How much does a decompressive craniectomy cost?

Decompressive craniotomy According to some studies, this procedure leads to fewer complications than a traditional decompressive craniectomy, which fully removes a portion of skull. Hospitals charge an average of $112,984 for this procedure.

Does craniotomy cause brain damage?

The major risks of the operation are bleeding and infection and further damage to the brain. As previously stated, patients who require craniectomy as a life saving measure are usually in very critical condition and have in all likelihood already experienced some amount of brain damage.

Can someone recover from brain swelling?

Minor cases of brain swelling due to causes such as moderate altitude sickness or a slight concussion often resolve within a few days. In most cases, however, more treatment is needed quickly.

How do you manage increased intracranial pressure?

How is ICP treated?

1. Medicine to reduce swelling.
2. Draining extra cerebrospinal fluid or bleeding around the brain.
3. Removing part of the skull (craniotomy) to ease swelling (though this is rare)

What are the possible risks of a craniotomy?

Possible complications include: permanent brain damage pooling of infected fluid in the brain ( abscess) brain inflammation ( meningitis) bleeding between your brain and scalp (subdural hematoma) brain or spine infection loss of ability to speak partial or full-body paralysis lack of awareness, even when conscious (persistent vegetative state) coma brain death

What happens after brain surgery?

Surgery can cause swelling in the brain. This increases the pressure inside the skull and can make your symptoms worse for a short time. You might need to have steroids after surgery, either as tablets or injections. Steroids can reduce swelling and pressure around the brain. This can help to reduce symptoms.

What is a craniectomy surgery?

A decompressive craniectomy surgery is a procedure that removes a section of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain. It is an incision first made in the scalp, then through the bone using a special saw, which allows a piece of the skull to be removed and set aside (often frozen) to be replaced at a later date.