Definition

A craniotomy removes part of the skull to access the brain for surgery.

Craniotomy Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

The most common reasons for a craniotomy are:

• Brain biopsy
• Brain cancer
• Head trauma
• Blood clot in the brain
• Blood vessel problems with the brain
• Nerve disorders
• Brain swelling
• Brain infection

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Brain swelling
• Heart attack
• Damage to the brain which may cause:
  • Vision problems
  • Problems with balance
  • Bowel and bladder problems
  • Changes in memory, behavior, thinking, or speech
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis or weakness

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Pain that you cannot control with medicine
• Redness, swelling, a lot of bleeding, or any discharge from the incision
• Headache that does not go away
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in balance, strength, or movement
• Changes in vision
• Loss of bladder or bowel function
• Problems with thinking
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face, arms, or legs
• Stiff neck

Call for medical help right away if you have:

• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.