Our Summary

This research paper examines the occurrence of stroke after brain surgery in children. The researchers looked at cases between 2010 and 2017 where surgery was performed and a stroke occurred afterwards. Out of 1591 surgeries, 28 resulted in a stroke, which is about 1.8%. The strokes mostly happened about 1.7 days after surgery, and in most cases, they happened near where a tumor had been removed. The type of stroke that occurred most frequently was due to a small artery, but these were often not detected by the MRI scans used during surgery. The study concludes that strokes after brain surgery in children are rare, and most often occur after the removal of a tumor.

FAQs

  1. What was the percentage of stroke occurrence after brain surgery in children between 2010 and 2017?
  2. What type of stroke occurred most frequently after brain surgery in children and was it easily detected by MRI scans?
  3. Where did strokes most often occur following brain surgery in children according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about craniotomy is to be aware of the potential risk of stroke following the procedure, especially if a tumor has been removed. It is important to closely monitor for any symptoms of stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or severe headache, and seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Additionally, following all post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring and managing any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a craniotomy include those with brain tumors, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, and certain types of neurological disorders. In the case of this particular study, children who underwent brain surgery for tumor removal were at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke post-operatively. It is important for healthcare providers to assess the individual patient’s medical history, overall health, and specific condition before recommending a craniotomy procedure.

Timeline

Before a craniotomy:

  1. Consultation with a neurosurgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the risks and benefits
  2. Preoperative testing, such as blood work, imaging scans, and possibly a neurological exam
  3. Admission to the hospital on the day of surgery
  4. Anesthesia is administered to put the patient to sleep
  5. The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp and removes a piece of the skull to access the brain
  6. The surgery is performed to remove a tumor, repair an aneurysm, or treat other conditions
  7. The skull is replaced and the incision is closed with sutures or staples

After a craniotomy:

  1. Recovery in the hospital for a period of time, typically a few days to a week
  2. Monitoring for any complications, such as infection or bleeding
  3. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and function
  4. Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon to monitor healing and discuss any concerns
  5. Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on lifting and strenuous exercise
  6. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any potential complications, such as stroke or seizure
  7. Ongoing management of any residual symptoms or side effects of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a craniotomy procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be after a craniotomy?
  3. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  4. Will there be any long-term effects or complications from the surgery?
  5. What are the chances of developing a stroke after a craniotomy, and what are the warning signs to look out for?
  6. How will the risk of stroke be monitored and managed during and after the surgery?
  7. How will the surgical team work to prevent strokes during the procedure?
  8. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may increase the risk of stroke in my case?
  9. What are the treatment options available if a stroke does occur after the surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of treating strokes that occur after a craniotomy?

Reference

Authors: Khan NR, Moore K, Basma J, Hersh DS, Choudhri AF, Vaughn B, Klimo P. Journal: J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2019 Mar 1;23(3):355-362. doi: 10.3171/2018.10.PEDS18491. Epub 2018 Dec 21. PMID: 30579265