What complications should I watch for after Glioblastoma surgery

Post-Surgery Complications to Monitor After Glioblastoma Surgery

After glioblastoma surgery, it's important to know what complications can occur so you can recognize warning signs early and contact your healthcare team promptly. Here are the main complications to watch for:

Immediate Post-Surgery Complications (First Few Days to Weeks)

Brain Swelling (Cerebral Edema)

• Increased headaches, especially if they're getting worse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Vision changes
• Weakness or numbness that develops or worsens

Your surgical team typically manages this with medications (often corticosteroids like dexamethasone), but you should report any worsening symptoms immediately.

Infection

• Fever (temperature above 100.4°F/38°C)
• Redness, warmth, drainage, or increasing pain at the surgical incision
• Headache with fever
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or altered mental status

Surgical site infections require prompt antibiotic treatment, so report these symptoms right away.

Bleeding or Blood Clots

• Sudden severe headache
• Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Loss of consciousness or extreme drowsiness
• Seizures

These are medical emergencies—call 911 if you experience these symptoms.

Neurological Complications

Seizures

• Involuntary muscle movements or jerking
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or unusual behavior
• Tongue biting or loss of bladder/bowel control

Many glioblastoma patients receive anti-seizure medications preventatively after surgery. If you experience a seizure, seek emergency care immediately.

Stroke-Like Symptoms

• Sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side)
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Vision loss
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Facial drooping

These require emergency evaluation.

Longer-Term Complications (Weeks to Months)

Cognitive Changes

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
• Slower thinking or processing
• Personality changes

These can result from the surgery itself, swelling, or the tumor location. Your care team can help with rehabilitation strategies.

Wound Healing Problems

• Incision not healing properly
• Persistent drainage
• Opening of the incision
• Chronic pain at the surgical site

Hydrocephalus (Fluid Buildup in the Brain)

• Worsening headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness or difficulty staying alert
• Balance problems
• Cognitive decline

This may require additional treatment, such as a shunt placement.

What to Do

Contact your surgical team immediately if you experience:

• Severe or worsening headache
• Fever
• Confusion or significant mental status changes
• Weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties
• Vision changes
• Seizures
• Wound problems (redness, drainage, opening)
• Persistent nausea/vomiting

Call 911 for:

• Sudden severe symptoms (severe headache, loss of consciousness, inability to move)
• Seizures
• Symptoms of stroke

Important Context

The specific complications you might experience depend on several factors, including:

• The tumor's location in your brain
• How much tissue was removed
• Your overall health before surgery
• Your age and ability to recover

Your surgical team should provide you with specific post-operative instructions and a timeline for follow-up appointments. Don't hesitate to ask them which symptoms warrant immediate attention and which can wait for your next scheduled visit.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.