Is it normal to experience "brain fog" after rhinoplasty? I had rhinoplasty yesterday.

Question

It has now been over 24 hours since my operation. I am not taking any major pain pills (only extra strength tylenol). I find myself having difficulty recalling some phrases and accurately reading numbers, though my ability to read literature seems unaffected. Is it normal to experience some "brain fog" for several days after rhinoplasty? I know that anesthesia, lack of sleep, and the trauma of surgery can adversely affect cognition, but I'm hoping it's temporary.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking. A “fog” after any surgery (especially after 1 day post op) can be possible but is usually related to medications that patients are not usually accustomed to using. Talk with your doctors. This is usually normal and temporary. Best wishes!

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Having some "fog" after any surgery is completely normal. Thankfully, it is not something that many people experience, but for those who do, it usually fades after a few hours to days and then is gone forever. Good luck!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

What you described is perfectly normal the day following surgery.  Check to see if you have a patch behind your ear.  Many times anesthesia will put one there to help prevent nausea.  If so, you may want to take it off and wash your hands after touching it.  Consult with your surgeon on this.

Is it normal to experience "brain fog" after rhinoplasty? I had rhinoplasty yesterday.

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