Not eating after brain surgery

[vicki9895]

My 21 yr old brother had 2 brain surgeries appx 3 weeks ago. He had a germ cell tumor removed and has
been home for about 2 weeks now. The doctor put him on dilaten (he does not have seizures, it is to prevent them and will be taken off of dilaten in a couple of months) and he is not eating. He has lost 17lbs
since he has been home from the hospital. He says he is hungry and he will take a few bites fine, but after
those few bites he will just leave the food in his mouth. We tell him to chew and he will chew then we tell him
to swallow and he won't. He can take up to 30 minutes for him to swallow 1 bite of food or medicine. Also, he
has a major problem swallowing liquids also. He does urinate, but it is mostly a dark yellow, and he has had 1
bowel movement in 7 days (which we think is because he has not been eating).

Will dilaten cause this or could this be a permanent problem?

Thank you


This discussion is related to Brain Surgery  Questions.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,
How is your brother? Can you elaborate on his difficulty of swallowing? Does this pertain to both solid and liquid food? If it persists, inform his doctor for proper management.  The common side effects of Dilantin or Phenytoin include: constipation; dizziness; headache; mild nervousness; nausea; trouble sleeping; or vomiting. (this link may be helpful: http://www.rxlist.com/dilantin-drug.htm). I hope this helps. Take care and do keep us posted.

[vicki9895]

He cannot swallow solid or liquids. Once in a while he will actually a little and drink a little. I have read up on dilantin and many people say they adjust to it, but he is only getting worse. He says he is hungry, but doesn't eat. Could the dilantin put him such a mind set that he doesn't remember to swallow?

thanks