Post-Operative Instructions for Patients after Craniotomy Here are some suggestions for care after a craniotomy (head operation). We realize that it is impossible to anticipate all of the questions or problems that may
arise during this time. However Dr. Ott, his assistant Glory, or one of his colleagues will be available to help you. To reach us call 619 297-4481 ext. 102
Post-Operative pain Craniotomies are followed by a moderate amount of scalp pain and swelling.
Sometimes facial swelling occurs. The pain can usually be controlled with a medicine taken by mouth. Please contact our office with your pharmacy telephone number and we can prescribe pain medication for you.
Wound Care The care of your wound is relatively simple. Keep the wound clean and dry
following your procedure. Keep the wound covered with a dry, sterile dressing. Change the dressing every day. Sterile dressings can be obtained at your
pharmacy. You may shower on your fifth post-operative day. You may allow
soap and water to drain over the wound. Do not scrub the wound forcefully at this time. Blot the wound dry when you are finished and apply a fresh dressing.
Swelling around the incision is normal. You should report any bloody, or clear, water-like drainage or separation of the wound edges to us as soon as you
notice it. We will remove your staples or sutures at your next office visit following your discharge. Make sure you have an appointment for a visit about 10 days
after operation. Activity & Diet
The amount of activity you may perform is largely individual and difficult to generalize. Let you comfort level and common sense be your guide. You can
increase your diet as tolerated. Do not drive for two weeks following surgery. If you have experienced a seizure before or after surgery you must not drive at all. Contact the CA Department of Motor Vehicles about returning to driving.
Generally by the time you are discharged from the hospital you will be eating a regular diet. If you should find you are having trouble with constipation, due to
pain medicine and inactivity, Senakot, Dulcolax and fleets enemas can be
purchased over-the-counter at your local drug store. Consult your pharmacist.
Medications Here is a list of medications we sometimes prescribe after operation: Anticonvulsants: These are prescribed to prevent or treat seizures. Most
commonly prescribed is Keppra (levetiracetam). There are many others.
Steroids: These are used to decrease swelling in the brain. Most
commonly prescribed is Decadron (dexamethasone).
Pain Medications: We usually prescribe Vicodin (hydrocodone) or
Percocet (oxycodone). Both of these medications contain Tylenol
(acetaminophen). Taper of these to the use of over the counter medication as
the head pain eases. The side effects of these medications are unusual and varied. If you think you are experiencing a drug reaction, give us a call.
Follow-up appointments
We will see you about 10 days after operation, remove staples or sutures (minimal discomfort) and arrange further post-operative care. Make a list of
questions to be answered during the visit.
Measuring Risk and Utility of Anonymized Data Using Information Theory Department of Computer Engineering and Mathssevere that the anonymized data become useless, i.e., thatBefore releasing anonymized microdata (individual data) itall information contained in the data is lost. The problemis essential to evaluate whether: i) their utility is high enoughof optimizing the trade-off between
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Fact Sheet What is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever? Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus ( Nairovirus ) in the family Bunyaviridae . The disease was first characterized in the Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean hemorrhagic fever. It was then later recognized in 1969 as the cause of illness
pain medicine and inactivity, Senakot, Dulcolax and fleets enemas can be
purchased over-the-counter at your local drug store. Consult your pharmacist.