Scarring from a brain biopsy can vary depending on the procedure and location of the biopsy. Seizure is a common symptom of a brain scar, which can sometimes develop after a brain biopsy.
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There are several different types of brain biopsy procedures, including needle biopsy and open biopsy. Depending on the type of biopsy procedure you undergo and the location of the affected area in your brain, you may experience various levels of scarring.
This article reviews the risks and recovery involved in having a brain biopsy and the scarring that may occur as a result. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have about this procedure.
When would you need a brain biopsy?
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Immediate postoperative complications following a brain biopsy (even a needle biopsy) can include:
- swelling
- infection
- hematoma (bruise-like pooling of blood beneath the skin)
- hemorrhage (internal or external bleeding from a damaged blood vessel or organ)
These complications can cause the following symptoms:
- changes in consciousness
- seizures
- vision changes
- headaches
- speech impairment
- weakness on one side of the body
In addition, complications from a brain biopsy can potentially cause permanent brain damage, with long-term neurological deficits, such as vision and speech impairment. A
A few weeks after surgery, people would no longer be at risk of these more serious complications if they haven’t already happened.
It’s worth noting that a biopsy scar is something that develops as the biopsy site heals, usually a few weeks after surgery. It can potentially cause epilepsy, or it might not cause any symptoms.
The size of your brain biopsy scar will vary depending on how it heals and the size of the biopsy sample taken. The overall recovery after a brain biopsy depends on the tumor and whether a person also has other health conditions or previous strokes.
Your recovery will begin in the hospital. You may receive a postoperative CT scan
If you have no medical concerns and your pain is well controlled, you may be
You may receive a phone call checking on you within a day of going home. You’ll also generally have a follow-up with the results and treatment planning
Although there are some common symptoms and signs to watch out for after a brain biopsy, it’s important to talk with your doctor about what to expect after your specific procedure.
After a brain biopsy, you may experience mild headaches that improve over time and fatigue. Most of the time, you should not expect to experience severe pain, but your doctor may offer pain medications to ensure that any pain is manageable.
Your doctor may also prescribe steroids to prevent swelling or anti-epileptic medications to prevent seizures right after surgery.
Because there is a risk of having a seizure, you’ll need to avoid driving for a period of time, as determined by your medical team.
Your doctor may also recommend that you not participate in other activities with a high risk of injury if you were to briefly lose consciousness. This could include operating heavy machinery, climbing ladders, or swimming alone.
Red flags: What symptoms warrant a call to your doctor?
It’s best to notify your doctor right away if you experience:
- signs of infection (such as a fever)
- worsening or severe headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- vision changes
- numbness
- weakness or sensory changes (numbness) on one side of the body
- seizures
- increasing drowsiness
Your doctor may recommend a brain biopsy to diagnose a brain illness or determine whether a brain tumor is cancerous. A brain biopsy can be performed in several different ways. Depending on how invasive a procedure you undergo, the necessary recovery time may vary.
In some cases, a brain biopsy may cause complications or lead to seizures.
Very little research exists regarding the risk associated with a brain biopsy scar. The primary risks noted by research are specific to the surgery itself.
Before undergoing any procedure, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the potential risks. Contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or numbness following a brain biopsy.