Start with your discharge plan
Before leaving hospital, know which medicines to take, how to care for the wound, your follow-up arrangements and the number to call with concerns. Ask what you should be able to do at home and which activities to avoid.
Source: NHS · After surgery .
Practical do’s and don’ts
Do
- Take medicines as prescribed. Ask for clarification if the discharge list is confusing.
- Follow the ward’s wound-care instructions, including when to wash your hair and how stitches or clips will be managed.
- Balance rest with gradual activity at the pace agreed with your team.
- Keep follow-up appointments to discuss recovery, results and further treatment.
Don’t
- Do not stop anti-seizure medicines or change a steroid plan yourself.
- Do not use a fixed online timetable for driving, flying, work or sport. Ask your team for clearance and any local requirements.
- Do not assume everyone recovers at the same speed.
- Do not delay reporting wound concerns.
Source: UCLH · Craniotomy and biopsy patient guidance , Cambridge University Hospitals · Craniotomy care .
When should I contact the treating team?
Seek prompt advice about redness, increasing pain or fluid leaking from the wound. Use the contact arrangements provided at discharge. If you cannot reach the team and are unwell, seek urgent medical assessment.
New sudden weakness, speech difficulty, a seizure or reduced consciousness needs urgent help. See the emergency guide ; do not wait for an appointment message.
Source: UCLH · Craniotomy and biopsy patient guidance , NHS · Head injury and concussion , CDC · Stroke signs and symptoms .
Questions to take to follow-up
- What did the operation and any tissue tests show?
- What is my medicine plan from here?
- Which activities are safe now, and what should wait?
- Do I need rehabilitation or further treatment?
Sources & editorial note
Sources checked 21 October 2026. These independent sources support the general information above; they do not endorse this practice.
- NHS · After surgery
- UCLH · Craniotomy and biopsy patient guidance
- Cambridge University Hospitals · Craniotomy care
- NHS · Head injury and concussion
- CDC · Stroke signs and symptoms
Prepared from published patient guidance. Clinical review by Dr. Agarwal is pending. This is education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan; follow your treating team’s advice. Emergency contact information has been localised for India.