Other Treatments After Craniotomy

After a craniotomy, medications are often prescribed to treat side effects and help you feel better. If you had surgery for a brain tumor, you may also have chemotherapy or radiation.

Medications

If medications are prescribed, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are already taking.

Steroids

Steroids reduce brain swelling. Take them as directed. Do not stop taking them without your doctor’s okay. Steroids can cause blood pressure changes, weight gain, stomach ulcers, increased risk of infection, and mood changes.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants help prevent seizures. Always take them as directed. You may have blood tests to make sure you get the right dosage. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, balance problems, or dizziness.

Other Medications

You may need other medications to manage symptoms and side effects. Talk with your doctor if you have problems with nausea, stomach acid, or pain.

Chemotherapy

The goal of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. These medications travel through your bloodstream, stopping the life cycle of any cancer cells. As a result, the cancer cells die.

Radiation Therapy

The goal of radiation is to slow or help control tumor growth. It uses painless x-rays to destroy tumor cells. Radiation can be used alone or with other types of treatment.