Questions for your Neurosurgeon

Please see the list below of possible questions you may wish to ask Xenia when you are at your appointment:

  1. For a tumour – What is the name of my tumor? How large is my tumor? Is the tumor growing?These can have complicated names and it may help to ask for it written down.
  2. Is there any connection between the abnormality on my scans and my symptoms? Why or why not?
  3. Where exactly is the abnormality located and what symptoms could I have in the future?
  4. What cranial/spinal nerves and parts of the brain/spine are affected?

Treatment

  1. Is surgery the only option? Or can I wait and watch it for a while?
  2. What if I decide to wait and watch? What is the risk and problems with waiting?
  3. What are the benefits of having surgery? What symptoms will go away? What will not go away?
  4. What are the risks or complications?
  5. What nerves/structures could be traumatized/damaged during surgery?
  6. How long would I be in surgery?
  7. Where will my incision be?
  8. Do you expect to be able to remove the entire tumor, most of it or simply debulk?

Recovery

  1. How long will I be in the Hospital?
  2. How long will I need help at home? When can I drive?
  3. When could I expect to return to work?
  4. What symptoms will I have after surgery? How long will they last?
  5. What symptoms necessitate a call to your office or a trip to the ED?
  6. Who will handle my post op symptoms when I return home – will you advise my GP?
  7. Will I need any medications afterward? Steroids? Pain medication?
  8. Are there any limitations (i.e. stairs, bending over, straining, heavy exercise, sexual activity)?
  9. When do you see me for follow up? When are stitches removed?
  10. How do I keep my incision clean?
  11. When can I get the wound wet (shower/bath/swimming)?
What to expect at your appointment