Subdural Hematoma Evacuation Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for subdural hematoma evacuation: 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
Subdural Hematoma Evacuation 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
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