Postoperative care of brain tumor Recovery period after brain tumor operation

Last updated: 05 November 2025 The recovery period after brain tumor surgery is a sensitive and very important stage in the process of treating patients. During this period, a person may experience symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and concentration problems, which are often temporary. Knowing about the correct care during the recovery period after brain tumor surgery helps to recover faster and prevent complications. In this article, we explain what to do after this surgery and how to provide better conditions for recovery.

What should be done after brain tumor surgery?

Due to a combination of the effects of anesthetics, anticipated swelling in the brain, and damage to the skull after surgery, patients may experience discomfort after surgery. It is necessary to know that this feeling is temporary and will become lighter during the recovery period.

One of the cares after brain tumor surgery is that the patient sleeps regularly. Quality sleep and getting enough of it is as important as food and water. Sleep helps speed recovery and is vital for a number of brain functions. For example, good sleep maintains pathways in the brain that will help learning, creating new memories, concentration and quick responses.

Awareness after brain tumor operation

Most patients come out of anesthesia a few hours after brain tumor surgery. But in some cases, especially after procedures such as endoscopic brain surgery that require more careful monitoring, the surgeon may decide to keep the patient semi-conscious for a few days to better control the recovery process. During this time, sedatives are used and if needed, a ventilator is used to help the patient breathe. Normally, the effects of anesthetic drugs are removed from the body within a few hours, and the patient is placed in the recovery room under the full supervision of the treatment team.

Important matters in the postoperative period

• The feeling of severe fatigue may last for several weeks
• Headaches or concentration problems are common during this period
• Full recovery can take one to two months
• The site of the surgical incisions may still be painful
• These symptoms are normal and nothing to worry about

Convalescence period after brain tumor operation

The length of time required for recovery after brain tumor surgery varies depending on the type of operation, but it usually lasts between 4 and 8 weeks. The hospitalization period is usually one week to ten days, and this time is determined according to the healing process and the body's reaction to the surgery.

In the first hours and days after the operation, the treatment team carefully monitors the brain function to ensure the normal state of brain activities. To prevent swelling in the face and brain tissue, the head should always be in a higher position; Even while resting in bed. During this period, painkillers will be prescribed to control the pain, and before discharge, the patient and his companion will be taught how to properly dress and care for the wound.

Home care and recovery tips

If you are discharged from the hospital, you should always keep the surgical wound clean and dry. Ask a companion to check it daily so that you can tell the doctor if you see discharge or any possible signs of infection. Washing hair is safe when you do not damage the scab formed on the wound. During the first weeks, avoid putting the direct heat of the hair dryer on the surgical site and do not use hair color and chemicals until the end of complete recovery.

It is necessary to observe the above until pulling the suture or removing the staple. During the recovery period, keeping the brain active plays a very important role in the healing process. Performing engaging and focused mental activities helps improve cognitive functions and is an important part of successful recovery after surgery.

Recommended activities for brain rehabilitation

Mental activity Advantage and role in improvement Practical tips during the recovery period Memory strengthening games Strengthening the storage and retrieval of information in the brain Practice for a few minutes a day puzzle Increased attention and concentration Simple to difficult models should be used gradually sudoku Improving processing speed and mental flexibility Start with small tables painting Stimulating creativity and reducing stress Do it without pressure and with pleasure Yoga and meditation Calming the mind and improving cognitive function Start with light movements and deep breathing

Inform your doctor of any frequent headaches, sweating, and chronic restlessness during the period of care after brain tumor surgery. For this purpose, you can consult a specialist surgeon like Dr. Mahmoud Yazdan Panahi. In order to schedule a visit, you can use the communication portals placed on the website.

Nutrition after brain tumor surgery

The patient's nutrition after the operation must be complete. The brain needs energy to function. Healthy and whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals help to strengthen brain health.

Foods to prevent brain tumor growth

Diet can have a great impact on brain health. First, it is necessary to avoid consuming harmful foods that help the growth of tumor-like lesions. Foods that are inflammatory, foods that are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy trans fats, and processed foods can lead to impaired memory and learning and prolong the recovery process.

Alcohol should be avoided in patients with brain tumor. Alcohol consumption can lower the seizure threshold and increase the possibility of seizures in these patients. This is important for patients with brain tumors because the presence of a brain tumor alone can increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, those who take anticonvulsants should not drink alcohol at all.

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Dr. Yazdan Panahi

Student of Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran. The top rank of the specialized board of neurosurgery. 7-year history of performing complex operations on the base of the skull and brain and spinal cord tumors, 7-year history of complex operations on the spine

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