Can I Go Under General Anesthesia After Hitting Head Hard 2 Weeks Prior to Surgery?

I hit the back of my head hard on Saturday. Today is Thursday. I saw a doc on Monday for pre-op clearance. She checked me out, asked questions, and never diagnosed it as a concussion. I am light sensitive and I can't stay on electronic devices for very long before I just have to look away. I'm trying to rest and rest as much as possible and each day I get a bit better. I feel almost back to normal today. Is this something I should report to my surgical team? Surgery for MM is Feb 22nd. Thanks!

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by ReVammpMe39 in Florida

Doctor Answers (11)
Community Comments (2)

General Anesthesia following Head Trauma

Prior to undergoing general anesthesia even a few weeks following blunt head trauma, I would advise a thorough evaluation for any lingering effects from the hit. Light sensitivity, headaches, nausea, dizziness, can indicate effects of a concussion. Also, there is a slight chance of a delayed bleed from an injured blood vessel inside the skull. Although this is unlikely, unless your surgery is really urgent, it is better to be safe than sorry

Mommy Makeover and Head Injury

Closed head injury if associated with loss of consciousness or other neurological symptoms should be evaluated. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Pre Operative Head Trauma

Thank you for the question. The fact that you are still symptomatic would suggest that your surgery should be postponed. Your clearance should be given by a Board Certified Neurologist and you should feel 100%. This is an elective procedure and there is no reason to increase your risks. It is always better to avoid than to treat when possible. I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Surgery after head injury

If in doubt, wait. Although rare, significant complications can occur following elective procedures. Make sure you have had a thorough evaluation by a board certified neurologist and feel like you are back to 100% before undergoing surgery. Be safe, not sorry.

Todd C. Case, MD

14 reviews

Tucson Plastic Surgeon

New medical issue prior to surgery

First, you should definitely tell your surgeon immediately. Second, if you havent seen a neurologist, you should. It may be best to postpone your surgery for a short while just to make sure all is good before having general anesthesia. Its much better to reschedule than to risk more problems.

Paul Wigoda, MD

5 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

drwigoda.com

Surgery

This is elective surgery and everything should be maximized prior to the procedure. Maybe another neurology evaluation is necessary

Surgery after head injury

If you are having any symptoms after a head injury, you should be evaluated by a neurologist. You should definitely not undergo surgery until you have been cleared by your neurologist. This is elective surgery; everything must be in order before proceeding. That is one very good way of avoiding complications.

Consult a Neurologist

Yes you should consult with your surgeon and consider an exam by a neurologist to evaluate for the light sensitivity and rule out DAI (diffuse axonal injury) to ensure that you are safe to undergo your elective surgery. Good luck!

Surgery after head injury

Thank you for your question about having plastic surgery shortly after a possible concussion. THIS IS IMPORTANT. your light sensitivity and electronic device sensitivity suggest mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) to the visual cortex this is at the back of the brain near where you hit your head. You need a full eye exam with vision fields. Call your plastic surgeon for a referral to a Board Certified Opthalmologist to examine you to see if... more

Surgery after head injury

It is good that you had a preop clearance already - was it done by a doctor or a nurse? Either way, it is important that you communicate this asap to your plastic surgeon just in case they have any concerns about proceeding. A MM is completely elective surgery and should never be done if there are any other concerns or medical issues. Good luck!

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Comments (2)

ReVammpMe39 18 Feb 2013

I guess docs don't see my follow-up responses, but here goes anyway. I saw a primary care physician. I wasn't diagnosed with anything. I spoke to my surgeon's nurse and she is not concerned. She spoke with him and said she'd call me if he wanted further evaluation. She didn't call. Surgery is in 4 days. I'm sure if they were worried I'd have been notified by now. I'm going to be fine. Thanks for all of the tips and answers although I think some of them are far fetched CYA answers, but I get that too. If I was a doc I'd want to cover my own butt too esp in an online public forum. Thanks again.