Aa
Some dumb questions...
I had a craniotomy in March due to an acute subdural hematoma (slip & fall). All the stars were aligned and I was able to receive medical care pretty quickly. Apparently, I am quite lucky to be here, and my neurosurgeon has my undying love! That being said, there are a few questions I had that I didn't think to ask him during my last visit, and my next one isn't for weeks. He has me weaning off the Dilantin (hooray-that's nasty stuff!). I can't have any alcohol while I'm taking it, I know, but is there any reason I can't have a beer once I'm off it? And please, I know this is really stupid, but before I left rehab I was cautioned not to have sex. That was three months ago-is it safe? I still get dizzy once in a while when I bend over-is this normal? And lastly, the side of my scalp that the skull was removed from feels tight, or asleep, for lack of a better description. Will this ever go away? TIA for answering my dumb questions!
Hi,
How are you?
Alcohol is generally advised not to be taken while on dilantin as it increases the side effects of dilantin.
Yes you can enjoy a drink once in a while once you have been weaned off dilantin completely.
Yes some dizziness is normal after craniotomy. I think you can get intimate but play the passive partner for some more time.
The numbness will also pass in due course of time. Please remember to intimate your doctor if you feel an increase in dizziness and numbness. Take care!
How are you?
Alcohol is generally advised not to be taken while on dilantin as it increases the side effects of dilantin.
Yes you can enjoy a drink once in a while once you have been weaned off dilantin completely.
Yes some dizziness is normal after craniotomy. I think you can get intimate but play the passive partner for some more time.
The numbness will also pass in due course of time. Please remember to intimate your doctor if you feel an increase in dizziness and numbness. Take care!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
How are you?
Sometimes, patients of brain trauma present with neurological manifestations after treatment also. This depends on the area of brain involved and the extent of damage to that area. These may include temporary or permanent weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, persistent symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. These may be present for months after treatment also. So don’t worry about the numbness or headaches.
You are taking Dilantin which is an anti-seizure drug. These drugs are prescribed mainly to treat epilepsy. Acute alcohol consumption increases the availability of phenytoin (Dilantin) and the risk of drug-related side effects. Chronic drinking may decrease phenytoin availability, significantly reducing the patient's protection against epileptic seizures, even during a period of abstinence. Any form of alcohol, even beer is contraindicated for some time when you are weaned off dilantin.
Sexual activity is an exertional activity which can cause exertional or sexual headache. This type of headache can occur during intercourse (preorgasmic headache) or during orgasm (orgasmic headache). Preorgasmic headache typically appears as a dull ache in the head and neck that slowly intensifies with sexual excitement. Orgasmic headaches usually present as a severe pain during orgasm. So in patients of craniotomy, intercourse is to be avoided till almost complete recovery has occurred.
Hope I have given you enough information. In case you need any more information,pls post us.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care and God bless.
How are you?
Sometimes, patients of brain trauma present with neurological manifestations after treatment also. This depends on the area of brain involved and the extent of damage to that area. These may include temporary or permanent weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, persistent symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. These may be present for months after treatment also. So don’t worry about the numbness or headaches.
You are taking Dilantin which is an anti-seizure drug. These drugs are prescribed mainly to treat epilepsy. Acute alcohol consumption increases the availability of phenytoin (Dilantin) and the risk of drug-related side effects. Chronic drinking may decrease phenytoin availability, significantly reducing the patient's protection against epileptic seizures, even during a period of abstinence. Any form of alcohol, even beer is contraindicated for some time when you are weaned off dilantin.
Sexual activity is an exertional activity which can cause exertional or sexual headache. This type of headache can occur during intercourse (preorgasmic headache) or during orgasm (orgasmic headache). Preorgasmic headache typically appears as a dull ache in the head and neck that slowly intensifies with sexual excitement. Orgasmic headaches usually present as a severe pain during orgasm. So in patients of craniotomy, intercourse is to be avoided till almost complete recovery has occurred.
Hope I have given you enough information. In case you need any more information,pls post us.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care and God bless.
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