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

            Although
your symptoms are definitely improving, it’s always better to be safe than
sorry. For this reason, its not only appropriate that you discuss your head
injury with your surgical team, but it’s also appropriate that you undergo a
neurological evaluation as well.

             Your
symptoms could indicate more severe intracranial pathology, which could be
adversely impacted by hemodynamic changes that can occur during anesthesia. In
addition, deterioration in neurological status wouldn’t be recognized while
under general anesthesia.

            It’s
important to remember that this is elective surgery. Safety should be
everyone’s first priority. 

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

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

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.

Prior to undergoing any type of elective surgery it is very important to be in the best health possible. Although you have not been formally diagnosed with a concussion your symptoms such as light sensitivity suggest that you are still recovering from your injury and probable concussion. You should report this to your surgeon immediately and undergo a thorough neurological examination to make sure there are no residual ill effects from your head injury that would affect your upcoming surgery. Good luck

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.

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.

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.

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

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!