skull replacement

[sugarbelle112]

My bf had an accident on 9/20/10 , 0n 9/21 he had his fore head removed to releive the swelling affects.  about a week later he went back in to surgery to because the swelling continued, they removed some of his right frontal lobe, about two weeks after that another surgery because of infections, again more tissue was removed,  He is currently at Barrows in Phx, still unable to speak, or respond to commands,  today (his 45th birthday) he is getting his skull replaced.. (its been in his tummy)..  the decompression is mind blowing to look at.. My question is I have heard recovery is increased with the bone flap there, but have also heard about liasons and issue with the the length of having the decompression of the muscle/skin  does anyone have any info on that?  Thank you..

[marisolmnz]

My husband suffered a brain injury in 2009, they did the same thing when they put the boneflap back it got infected and they had to removed it. four months after he ended up unconsious for 4 months once they put the flap back he started to wake up and with alot of therapy he was able to start walking and went home! Each case is different so im not sure if this information will help you. The only thing i can tell you is to talk to him, play his favorite music and do range of motion excercises for him...it may take time but its amazing how the brain can heal! I hope he recovers soon!
Marisol

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
This a very tough question to answer on net without all the details and examining the patient. If brain injury is extensive, nothing will help. However if the surgeons are trying for decompression and skull replacement, there may be hope for recovery. It would be best to discuss with his treating doctors. Take care!