Brain Surgery Questions

Craniotomy 4 months ago for right convexity meningioma.
Pre-op sensory seizure involving entire left side numbness.  
Dilantin pre-op and 2 months post -op.  
EEG normal before weaning dilantin in late June.. Another
EEG 8-17-05, Normal.
1. Had profound left arm weakness post-surgery.   This
improved but still have constant  numbness and occasional
weakness in wrist/lower arm/hand. Neurologist scheduled EMG this
coming week. Will this show if  there is any nerve damage
/permanent or degenerative?
2.Continue to have bilateral chin and neck numbness, lasts
most of day.  Neurologist thinks this might still be temp
effect from surgery. Any opinion?Could chin neck numbness be
cause by thyroid trouble
3.Had slightly hypo results from thyroid test, I requested
from GYN who was otherwise unhelpful. ( TSH=5.8) I have
some symptoms of that and menopause hormone problems,
neurologist refering  to endocrinologist .
4. About a week before latest EEG , began "twitchy"/jerking
symptoms, while at rest. Occurring during night , just
before sleep. Waking late night with hot flash, trying to get
back to sleep, happens then also.  Also during attempts at
nap during day.
Some of this  occurred during this last EEG 8-17,  as I
actually began to fall asleep  due to  poor night sleep
before.  Am told this EEG was absolutely normal. Neurologist and
NS say the twitching is normal. Am glad to know they do not
think is seizure activity.  But is upsetting and keepsme
awake. Son told me he saw this with my hands,sleeping. Was
dreaming  Currently ativan 1mg  2 X day.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

1) in the case of weakness due to the brain surgery, the EMG will not show much - maybe just some decreased motor unit actiivation. EMG is mainly useful in the evaluation of lower motor neuron abnormalities (ie from the spinal cord down).

2) Its difficult to tell without knowing more information, such as which areas were resected and did these include the sensory area for the face. If not, then other disorders should be looked into, especially if it persists or changes over time.

3) the TSH result must be interpreted in the light of other throid results ie T4 and T3 levels. your endocrinologist will be able to do this.

4) multifocal twtiching or jerks at night, or as we are going to sleep are very  common, and unless there is also evidence of continuing seizures or muscle weakness or wasting, no furhter testing is necessary.

[saoirse1]

Thanks very much for your reply :)  Have been given a small rx for a mild sleeping pill, short-term. This to help get past the twitches. I do have , it turns out, a mild muscle residual weakness in the left arm But NO permanent nerve damage.  Have worked hard to come a long way with this arm/hand, so this was good news. I see the endocronologist soon, which I expect will help with the thyroid and other hormone issues.  

Will keep an eye on this bilateral numbness of face/chin.  If it's not appreciably improved by next f/u visit, will ask for further investigation on that.  Other than this, I shall try to take it a day at a time,grateful because it all could be much worse.

Thanks again for responding!

[nataliecg]

A related discussion, Pre-Op medications used prior to neurosurgery was started.

[kvb99]

A related discussion, weakenss in the right hand was started.

[vicki9895]

A related discussion, Not eating after brain surgery was started.