Discharge Instructions For Patients Who Have Had Brain Surgery

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

• Avoid activities such as lifting, pulling, or pushing.
• Gradually increase your activities and let your comfort be your guide. Walking is good exercise and can increase your endurance.
• Avoid running, jogging, or bicycle riding.
• As you become more active, you may experience an increase in discomfort, including headaches, so do not become alarmed.
• Sexual relations may be resumed at your discretion.

WOUND INSTRUCTIONS

• If you have stitches that can be seen, avoid getting the incision wet until the stitches/staples have been removed.
• Puffiness or swelling about the incision or under the skin flap is not uncommon, particularly if it occurs in the morning after sleeping. This can be helped by elevating the head of your bed while sleeping.

MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• At the time of your discharge, you will be given a perscription for pain medication. When this runs out, Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, or Bufferin, taken as directed, should be sufficient for pain control.
• Please note: We do not take prescription calls on Fridays, weekends, or holidays.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WHEN TO CALL

• Please call your physician if you develop one of the following: (Office hours 8:00-4:30, phone 423-578-1518).
• Drainage from your incision. (A small amount of puffiness and numbness around the area of the incision is normal).
• New pain or weakness beginning after you leave the hospital.
• You will be given an appointment for your next visit at hospital discharge.

In case of an emergency after business hours, please contact our answering service by calling 423-578-1518 and they will direct your questions to the physician on call OR go to the nearest emergency room.