Brain Surgery

Brain Surgery Care Focused on Your Safety and Comfort

When brain surgery becomes part of your care plan, you deserve a team that sees the whole you — not just your condition. Within the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network, our neurosurgeons use advanced techniques ranging from traditional open procedures to minimally invasive approaches that support safer care and a smoother recovery.

With thoughtful guidance, clear explanations and a focus on your comfort, we’re here to help you move toward healing with confidence. Our team works closely with specialists across neurology, imaging and rehabilitation to care for you through every step, so you feel supported in body, mind and spirit.

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Request a Consultation With a Neurology Specialist

Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or were recently diagnosed, the compassionate neurological care you need is close to home. Request a visit with one of our experienced neurology specialists to begin a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole health.

Answering Your Questions About Brain Surgery

We know how challenging it is to learn that you need brain surgery. Feeling informed goes a long way to help you find your courage. We’re here to answer these common questions, and you can rest assured that your oncology team will be there to answer every other question — and ease each worry — about your specific procedure and recovery process. It’s our goal to help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible ahead of your procedure.

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  • Question: What should I expect before, during and after brain surgery?

    Answer:

    Before brain surgery, you’ll meet with your care team for a preoperative visit, which may include a physical exam, testing (blood tests and/or imaging scans), signing consent forms, medication guidance and a thorough explanation of what to expect.

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    During your surgery, you may or may not receive general anesthesia (it depends on the procedure), and you’ll most likely have IVs and catheters placed. The time in the operating room will vary depending on your diagnosis and the type of surgery.

    After surgery, you’ll be in a critical care unit overnight and then stay in a separate recovery wing of the hospital for several days. After you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll visit your care team again for a postoperative visit, and depending on your procedure, you may need rehab to get back to daily living. Regular imaging scans will also be part of your recovery in the months after your surgery.

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  • Question: How long does it take to recover after brain surgery, and when can I return to normal activities?

    Answer:

    The total recovery time after brain surgery varies depending on many factors and can look different from one person to the next. Your care team will be able to explain the recovery timeline for your specific diagnosis and procedure and when you can expect to return to your daily activities.

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    In general, recovering from a less-invasive procedure can take several weeks, and you may be able to return to work a month after surgery. If your procedure is more invasive or open, recovery may take several months and include rehab to help you continue healing.

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  • Question: Will I need to stay in the ICU after brain surgery, and how long will I be in the hospital?

    Answer:

    Yes, you’ll stay in a critical care unit immediately following brain surgery. The procedure type, diagnosis and other factors will determine how long you stay in the ICU and the hospital. In some cases, you may only need to stay in the ICU overnight, followed by a three- or four-day hospital stay. In other cases, you may need to stay longer. Your care team will monitor you closely and work to get you healing at home as quickly as possible.

  • Question: Will brain surgery affect my speech, movement, memory or other neurologic functions?

    Answer:

    How brain surgery affects your speech, movement, memory and other neurologic functions depends on several factors, including where a tumor is located in the brain. For example, if a tumor is near a part of the brain that controls speech and language, it’s possible to experience problems with finding the right words as you heal. Speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists and other experts can help you regain your normal functioning after brain surgery.

  • Question: When should I call my surgeon after brain surgery because of symptoms like headaches, seizures or new neurologic changes?

    Answer:

    Headaches are common after brain surgery, and your care team will give you medication to manage them. Call your surgeon if your headaches are severe, persistent or accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, vision changes, muscle weakness or vomiting.

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    With other neurologic symptoms, call your surgeon if you experience hallucinations, new and/or severe confusion, memory loss or sudden changes in how you feel (your daily behavior and moods).

    Call 911 right away if you experience a seizure or seizure symptoms (jerky movements), difficulty breathing or stroke symptoms (loss of balance, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties).

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Find Brain Surgery Care Near You

If you or a family member needs surgery for a brain condition, rest assured that you don’t have to go far to find trusted care. Within the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network, our experienced neurosurgeons use the most advanced procedures available and the least invasive approaches whenever possible — all with a focus on helping you heal physically, mentally and spiritually. Explore your care options close to home with our dedicated team's guidance. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.