Clinical Recovery Portal
Brain Surgery Rehabilitation
Cranial healing is a progressive process that requires a structured, multi-phase rehabilitation pathway to safely restore physical, cognitive, and sensory functions.
⚠️ Crucial Clinical Safety Precautions
Contact the clinic or attend the nearest Emergency Department immediately if you experience:
- New or worsening seizure activity.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination in your face, arm, or leg.
- Severe, progressive headache accompanied by nausea or projectile vomiting.
- Clear fluid draining from your nose or ears, or down the back of your throat.
- High fever, neck stiffness, or extreme sensitivity to bright light.
Phase 1: Early Healing & Fatigue Management (Weeks 0 - 2)
Primary Focus: Wound Care, rest, and low-stimulation environments
Rehabilitation Milestones
- Fatigue management: Severe cognitive and physical fatigue is normal as the brain heals. Pace yourself; take regular naps throughout the day.
- Wound care: Keep your head incision clean and dry. Avoid submerging the wound in bathwater. Shower gently, letting water run down your scalp without scrubbing.
- Symptom tracking: Report any worsening headaches, expanding incision swelling, or visual disturbances immediately.
Phase 2: Progressive Mobilisation & Vestibular Rehab (Weeks 2 - 6)
Primary Focus: Gentle physical conditioning and neurological tracking
Rehabilitation Milestones
- Gradual physical activity: Build walking tolerance to 15-20 minutes twice daily. Do not perform any heavy lifting (>5kg), running, or dynamic twisting.
- Cognitive pacing: Engage in brief cognitive tasks (reading, puzzles) for 15-20 minutes. Stop immediately if you experience mental fatigue or headache.
- Seizure precautions: Follow anti-epileptic medication schedules strictly. Do not swim unsupervised, take deep baths, or use heavy machinery.
Phase 3: Long-term Restoration & Return-to-Activity (Weeks 6+)
Primary Focus: Structured return to occupational and physical milestones
Rehabilitation Milestones
- Driving clearance: You must NOT drive a motor vehicle until formally cleared by Dr Aliashkevich and VicRoads standards (minimum 3-6 months post-craniotomy).
- Air travel: Avoid commercial flying for at least 6 weeks post-surgery to prevent risk from cabin pressure changes.
- Work transition: Coordinate a phased, light-duty return-to-work program with Dr Aliashkevich at your 6-week review.
Seek Personalised Rehabilitation Advice
To review your neurological recovery milestones or adjust your return-to-activity plan, arrange a follow-up review with Dr Aliashkevich today.