Craniotomy Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for craniotomy: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Seizure Precautions
- •Take anti-seizure medication exactly as prescribed
- •Do not drive until cleared by your neurosurgeon
- •Avoid alcohol, which lowers seizure threshold
- •Know seizure first aid: protect head, time the seizure, call 911 if >5 min
Craniotomy recovery, day by day
Critical Monitoring
- You will be monitored in the ICU or neuro step-down unit
- Nurses will perform frequent neurological checks (pupils, grip strength, orientation)
- Report any new headache, vision changes, weakness, or numbness IMMEDIATELY
- Take anti-seizure medication if prescribed (do NOT skip doses)
Pain & Medication
- Pain medication will be managed by your care team
- Head of bed elevated at 30 degrees to reduce brain swelling
- Stool softeners to prevent straining (critical for brain and spine surgery)
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
Activity & Movement
- Walk with assistance as soon as cleared
- No driving for at least 2-4 weeks (varies by procedure)
- No heavy lifting or straining
- Avoid bending over (increases intracranial pressure)
Incision Care
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Do not get head incision wet until staples/sutures are removed
- Do NOT apply lotions, ointments, or creams to the incision unless directed
- Watch for signs of CSF leak: clear, watery drainage from incision or nose
Ongoing Recovery
- Gradually increase activity as cleared by your neurosurgeon
- Cognitive changes (memory, concentration) may take weeks to months to fully resolve
- Attend all follow-up appointments and imaging
- Full recovery timeline varies significantly by procedure
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
- •Severe pain not managed by prescribed medication
- •Signs of allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat
- •Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site (signs of infection)
- •Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •New or worsening headache, especially with vomiting
- •Confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes
- •Seizures
- •Clear, watery fluid leaking from nose or incision (CSF leak)
- •New vision changes or double vision
- •Severe neck stiffness with fever
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Neurological stability
Neuro checks stable, initial recovery progressing
- Day 14
Staple/suture removal
Return for wound closure removal
- Day 18
Activity increases
Gradually resume light activities
- Day 60
Expected recovery
Complete healing confirmed at follow-up
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact craniotomy recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No credit card. Cancel anytime.