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Craniotomy
A guide for patients and carers
How will life be affected?
After a craniotomy, the driving regulations require your licence to be suspended. In the meantime, you should inform the DVLA about your operation (see Other organisations that may be able to help). The DVLA will enquire about your medical condition and inform you about the period of driving restriction, which is determined by the underlying condition that led to the operation and complications such as epilepsy or other factors that could affect your ability to drive safely.
You are advised to avoid flying for ten days after a craniotomy. Up until six weeks after the operation you should inform the airline you are travelling with and your insurance company about the operation.
Contact sports such as boxing or rugby should be avoided after any brain operation. Swimming is fine once the wound has healed, but it is a good idea to be accompanied for the first few months because of the risk of fits occurring. The timing of a return to work and other activities will need to be discussed with the doctor responsible for your care. Sexual intercourse is safe once you have recovered from the operation. Small amounts of alcohol are safe, although you are likely to be more susceptible to its effects.There is a risk of provoking a fit if you have too much to drink. Some people who have had a craniotomy have found that they have more severe hangovers if they drink alcohol.
Contact sports such as boxing or rugby should be avoided after any brain operation. Swimming is fine once the wound has healed, but it is a good idea to be accompanied for the first few months because of the risk of fits occurring. The timing of a return to work and other activities will need to be discussed with the doctor responsible for your care. Sexual intercourse is safe once you have recovered from the operation. Small amounts of alcohol are safe, although you are likely to be more susceptible to its effects.There is a risk of provoking a fit if you have too much to drink. Some people who have had a craniotomy have found that they have more severe hangovers if they drink alcohol.
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