What is Brain Surgery?

Brain surgery is a medical procedure that treats brain abnormality or problems in and around the brain. The brain is a component of the central nervous system, which is responsible for your speech, movement, thinking, and memory. Brain surgery treats the underlying conditions of the brain, on or around the brain, without interfering with important bodily functions.

Brain surgery can be performed for a variety of reasons. For example, if you have seizures, the surgeon may remove a portion of your brain. If you have a tumor on the brain, the surgeon may operate to remove the tumor. The surgeon may relieve pressure on the brain, such as from blood or increased spinal fluid. The surgeon may also treat aneurysms of abnormal blood vessels.

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Why it's done

Brain surgery can be used to treat or manage a variety of conditions, including:

• Aneurysm

• Brain tumor

• Epilepsy

• Hemorrhage

• Hydrocephalus

• Nerve damage

• Parkinson's disease

• Stroke

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Skull fracture

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How you prepare

Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and blood tests to ensure you are healthy enough for brain surgery. They may also perform imaging tests such as

• MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• CT (Computed Tomography) scans

• PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography)

• Angiography

These imaging tests create detailed images of your brain's tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. These images help your surgeon identify the areas that require treatment.

Your surgeon will provide you with information about the following:

• Making changes to your health prior to brain surgery

• If you smoke tobacco, it is recommended to stop smoking several weeks prior to brain surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of surgery complications and make it more difficult for you to recover.

• Some patients may need to take steroids to reduce swelling before brain surgery.

• Taking antibiotics reduces the risk of infection post-surgery.

• Taking anti-epileptic drugs reduces the chance of seizures occurring after brain surgery.

• If you take blood thinners, it may be necessary to stop taking them a few days to a week before brain surgery.

• During and after the procedure, your surgeon will brief you on the details of the operation, answer any queries you may have, and explain the potential side effects. The length of time you will need to recover depends on the kind of surgery you have. You may also need to undergo neurological rehabilitation.

What you can expect

During Brain Surgery:

During brain surgery, the procedure differs depending on the kind of brain surgery needed. The surgeon will explain the procedure to you before your surgery date.

• You will be given anesthesia by an anesthesiologist.

• The surgeon will shave the area around the incision.

• After shaving the area, the surgeon will clean the area.

• The surgeon will make a surgical incision into the skin. The surgeon will cut and move the tissue and tissue.

• The surgeon will make holes in the skull bone using a surgical bone cutting drill bit.

• The surgeon will remove a portion of the skull.

• The surgeon will treat the brain. The treatment may include tumor removal, pressure relief, or repair of blood vessels.

• The surgeon will then replace the portion of the skull that was removed and secure it with plates or screws.

• The surgeon will move the muscles and tissues back into place and make a final incision in the skin.

After Brain Surgery:

You will be hospitalised for observation after brain surgery. In the case of less invasive procedures, such as endovascular surgeries, you may only need to be hospitalized for one or two days. However, in the case of open craniotomies, you may need to be hospitalised for up to ten days.

After open brain surgery, your care team may need to place you in intensive care overnight so they can monitor your vital signs.

While in the hospital, you may experience tiredness, soreness or a headache. During your recovery, your care team will provide you with medications to help ease your discomfort. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you continue taking the medications prescribed to you prior to your surgery to ensure you do not develop complications during your recovery. 

Your brain will be subject to regular imaging tests after surgery.

Your care team will also schedule appointments with you over the next few days, weeks, and months to keep track of your healing progress.

Your recovery may include physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

Benefits/Risks

Benefits:

• Brain surgery can save lives,

• Treat underlying medical conditions

• Remove a tumor

• Reduce pressure on the brain

• Repair a brain abnormality

  
  
  
  

​Risks and complications of brain surgery:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Reactions to anaesthesia

• Headaches

• Aphasia

• Brain swelling

• Confusion or delirium

• Dizziness

• Problems with movement or balance

Long-term risks include:

• Behavioural changes

• Brain damage

• Difficulty walking

• Memory loss

• Speech problems

• Weakness in arms or legs

Brain surgery recovery and outlook

How long does brain surgery take?

Your brain surgery recovery depends on the type and extent of the surgery. Generally, a less invasive brain surgery will take several weeks to recover, while an open brain surgery can take six weeks to a few months.Your surgeon will provide you with an estimate of how long it will take you to feel fully recovered.

When can I go back to work and resume normal activities?

It is important to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible after brain surgery. They may have specific recommendations for you based on your type of surgery. It is important to visit your healthcare provider in the weeks, months, and even years after your surgery for imaging tests to track your healing progress.

Why Choose Apollo Healthcare?

Established by Dr Prathap C Reddy in 1983, Apollo Healthcare has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem. From routine wellness & preventive health care to innovative life-saving treatments and diagnostic services, Apollo Hospitals has touched more than 120 million lives from over 120 countries, offering the best clinical outcomes.

• 7,000+ Healing HandsLargest network of the world’s finest and brightest medical experts who provide compassionate care using outstanding expertise and advanced technology.

• 4,000+ PharmaciesApollo Pharmacy is India’s first, largest and most trusted branded pharmacy network, with over 4000 plus outlets covering the entire nation

• Most Advanced Healthcare TechnologyApollo Hospitals has been the pioneer in bringing ground-breaking healthcare technologies to India.

• Best Clinical OutcomesLeveraging its vast medical expertise & technological advantage, Apollo Hospitals has consistently delivered best in class clinical outcomes.

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Apollo 24|7 is the largest multi-channel digital healthcare platform in India, created with a vision of eliminating flexibility blockages from the healthcare industry. We believe in making healthcare affordable to everyone by combining analytic excellence, affordable cost, and extensive research with advanced technology. Apollo 24|7 is a single online platform where you have access to a wide range of services such as online pharmacy, online doctor consultations, and diagnostic lab tests at home. We also provide expert solutions for chronic conditions and COVID-care with a secured digital vault, where you can safely upload all your medical reports. 

The Smart Choice for Your Health is Here

Make the best decision for your health by choosing Apollo 24|7. Here’s why you can count on us:

• 36 years of legacy in the healthcare industry

• 24x7 availability of doctors

• More than 3.5 million diagnostic tests each year

• 700+ collection centres and 100+ laboratories

• High quality and affordable diagnostic solutions 

• Fast and accurate test report results

• Several medical specialties under one roof

• Online prescriptions - available anytime, anywhere

• Order medicines and book tests online with ease

• Digitised health queries

Ask a Doctor Online 24/7

Online doctor consultations take place through online doctor chat, call, or video call. This helps you to talk to doctors online from the comfort of your home by simply choosing a doctor from different specialties. Avail personalised solutions for any health problem with prompt online doctor consultation with Apollo 24|7.

• Safe and secure platform

• Affordable rates

• Video and chat options

Online Doctor Consultation - Now at Your FingertipsThe demand for doctors is expected to increase as new medicines allow people to live longer. However, there are several ways to reach out to a doctor without the need to visit a hospital or clinic, all thanks to technology. With the online facility available, doctor consultations have become easier, and you can get the right health care. Online doctor consultations with 4000+ top medical doctors are available at Apollo 24|7. Video call or chat with expert doctors from 100+ medical specialties, including | Dermatology | Gynaecology | Paediatrics | Psychiatry | General Physicians | Gastroenterology | Dietetics | Ent Specialists | and more, in just 15 minutes.

Benefits of choosing online doctor consultations:

• Save time, money, and effort.

• No need to travel. 

• Most convenient option to choose from, and helps in early diagnosis.

• Online doctor consultations are confidential and safe.

• No risks of infections.

Apollo 24|7 is a part of Apollo Hospitals. Apollo Hospitals was established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C Reddy. It incorporates over 10,000 beds across 70 hospitals, over 4000 pharmacies, 172 primary care and diagnostic clinics, and 148 telemedicine facilities spread across 13 countries. Apollo Hospitals has touched billions of lives by offering exceptional clinical outcomes.

Milestones of Apollo Hospitals:

• 36 Years of legacy and credibility in the healthcare industry. 

• NABL certified multi-channel digital healthcare platform.

• World’s best medical specialists.

• Largest & trusted branded healthcare network.

• Advanced healthcare technology.

Pharmacy Simplified with Apollo 24|7

Apollo pharmacy is the most credible and established online pharmacy in India. It delivers 100% original medicines and products. Apollo pharmacy is believed to offer super-fast home delivery for all the healthcare essentials. Explore our broad range of medicines or over-the-counter medicines and products such as baby care, personal care, wellness, lifestyle, health, and nutrition categories online with ease. 

Rapid deliveries of medicines are available online at Apollo Pharmacy. In some cities, deliveries are done in less than 24 hours.

• Get health credits on purchasing medicines and products.

• Alluring deals on medicines and other products.

• A broad range of medicines and essential healthcare products to choose from.

• Prescriptions are uploaded directly.

• Authentic and top-notch quality products.

Convenient Diagnostic Lab Tests at Home

Regular health check-ups are vital for a healthy life because it helps in detecting diseases at the earliest, following a timely treatment. Apollo 24|7 provides blood sample testing at your doorstep conveniently. You can book lab tests at home and utilise the home-collection facility. We offer a broad range of diagnostic lab tests such as | RT-PCR Test | Renal Profile Test (KFT, RFT) | Hemogram Test | Lipid Profile Test | Thyroid Profile Test (T3 T4 TSH) | D-Dimer Test | Urine Culture Test | Complete Blood Count Test (CBC Test) | Widal Test | Liver Function Test (LFT) | and more.

Top-notch quality diagnostics are critical for the best treatment and personalised patient care.

Here are some simple steps to book a lab test:

• Book online - Select the package or test you want to book.

• Choose home-sample collection option - A qualified phlebotomist visits your home for sample collection at the selected slot time.

• Get fast and accurate blood test reports - download them from the app or website anytime, anywhere!

Find Pathology Labs with Ease at Apollo 24|7Manage your health with prompt health check-ups from Apollo 24|7. We offer an extensive range of laboratory services that deliver factual diagnostic lab test results. You will find the most trusted pathology labs here at Apollo 24|7. 

Other Services Offered by Apollo 24|7

Apollo Circle Membership: Premium Healthcare Program

Apollo 24/7 Circle is an elite membership plan for those who put their overall health and well-being on priority. This membership plan guarantees priority access to Apollo’s best doctors, personalised care, unique deals, and comprehensive wellness programs especially curated by professionals. 

Apollo Prohealth Program Apollo Pro Health Program is an exclusive end-to-end personalised proactive healthcare management program that combines predictive risk assessments and top-notch quality diagnostics with accurate physician checks. Approximately 22 million health checks have been done based on this program. You can count on us for:

• Customised health risk assessments: diagnostic tests designed exclusively for your profile to foresee the health risks.

• Physician-led assessment: designed for customised treatment plans and overall wellness goals.

• Multi-organ assessment: diagnostic tests designed as per your profile with consultations from top specialists and physicians.

• Health instructors: to evaluate your health parameters regularly and help you stay on your path to health and wellness.