Post-Surgery Sleepiness and Coordination Issues After Brain Tumor Removal - Neurosurgery

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Post-operative drowsiness, refusal to eat or drink, and left-sided incoordination following brain tumor surgery?


Hello Doctor, my younger brother is 23 years old.
Before the surgery, he only exhibited symptoms of left eyelid ptosis and mild hearing impairment in the left ear.
This past Monday, July 24, he underwent brain tumor surgery at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.
After the surgery, the doctor informed us that the results indicated a grade II glioma located on the brainstem, near the cerebellum.
The doctor stated that chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not necessary.
He has been hospitalized since the surgery and as of today, July 29, he is currently lethargic; he sleeps or keeps his eyes closed unless prompted.
His vision appears shaky, but there has been some improvement.
Additionally, he has left-sided limb incoordination and weakness; he only gets up with assistance to go to the bathroom.
Whenever he sits up or tries to walk, he complains of dizziness, and he has been experiencing nausea and vomiting.
The doctors at Veterans General Hospital mentioned that most patients are able to get out of bed and walk around within 4 to 5 days post-surgery.
However, my brother is still very lethargic and only responds when encouraged.
The doctors indicated that the left-sided incoordination is likely due to the proximity of the tumor to the cerebellum, and he will need to be encouraged to walk for rehabilitation.
I would like to ask the physician if my brother's current symptoms of lethargy, left-sided limb incoordination, overall weakness, and lack of appetite, along with the slight blurriness when focusing on objects, are expected to gradually improve.
It seems that he is not recovering as quickly as other patients.

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/29

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery


It is recommended to continue monitoring, and it should gradually improve.

Reply Date: 2017/07/29

More Info


Post-surgery sleepiness and coordination issues after brain tumor removal can be concerning for both patients and their families. In the case of your brother, who is 23 years old and recently underwent surgery for a second-stage glioma located near the brainstem and cerebellum, it is important to understand that the recovery process can vary significantly from one individual to another.

Firstly, it is not uncommon for patients to experience increased sleepiness or lethargy following brain surgery. This can be attributed to several factors, including the effects of anesthesia, the body's natural healing process, and potential swelling or inflammation in the brain. The brain is a complex organ, and any surgical intervention can lead to temporary disruptions in normal function. In your brother's case, the proximity of the tumor to critical areas of the brain, such as the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance, may contribute to his symptoms of coordination issues and weakness on the left side of his body.

The coordination problems and weakness your brother is experiencing are likely related to the surgical intervention and the location of the tumor. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control, and surgery in this area can lead to temporary deficits in coordination and strength. It is essential to engage in physical rehabilitation to help regain strength and improve coordination. Physical therapy can be beneficial in providing targeted exercises to help him regain mobility and strength in his left side.

Regarding the dizziness and nausea he is experiencing, these symptoms can also be common after brain surgery. They may be related to changes in intracranial pressure, the effects of medications, or the body's adjustment to the surgical changes. It is crucial to keep the medical team informed about these symptoms, as they may need to adjust medications or provide additional interventions to alleviate these issues.

As for the timeline for recovery, it is important to note that recovery from brain surgery can take time. While some patients may begin to feel better within a few days, others may take weeks or even months to fully recover. Factors such as the extent of the surgery, the patient's overall health, and the specific location of the tumor can all influence recovery time. It is essential to be patient and allow your brother's body the time it needs to heal.

In summary, while your brother's symptoms of sleepiness, coordination issues, and weakness are concerning, they are not uncommon following brain surgery, especially given the location of the tumor. It is crucial to maintain open communication with his healthcare team, follow their recommendations for rehabilitation, and monitor his progress closely. With time, support, and appropriate rehabilitation, many patients can experience significant improvements in their symptoms and regain their strength and coordination.

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