Update Article Story
What you can expect
What happens during computer-assisted brain surgery depends on the type of surgery you're having. A medicine that puts you in a sleep-like state, known as general anesthesia, often is used in computer-assisted brain surgery. If you're having awake brain surgery, you're given medicines to feel relaxed and block pain but that keep you awake. This allows you to interact with the surgery team to maximize safety during surgery.
Sometimes a piece of skull is removed to operate on the brain. In other surgeries, such as stereotactic radiosurgery, no cuts are made. Instead, radiation is aimed at the area of the brain needing treatment.
Your neurosurgeon may take imaging scans during surgery, known as intraoperative MRI or CT using a portable CT scanner. The imaging machine used to take the images may be in the operating room and brought to you for the imaging. Or it may be in a room next door and you're brought to the machine for the images.
For most people, preventing and treating nausea and vomiting requires both medication and food approaches.
Anti-nausea medication. Based on your treatment and common side effects, your doctor may prescribe medication(s) to prevent nausea before it starts. If you’ve been prescribed anti-nausea medication by your oncology team, it’s important to take it even if you feel well. If you haven’t been prescribed medication and you start to feel nauseous after treatment, it’s important to contact your Iris Care Team as soon as possible.
Hydration. Even though it might feel challenging to drink enough each day, staying hydrated helps to minimize nausea. Sip fluids consistently throughout the day, aiming for 8-10 (8 oz) glasses. Tired of plain water? We’ve got plenty of ideas to mix in.
Avoid an empty stomach. While it may feel like eating is the last thing you want to do, leaving your stomach empty can make nausea worse. But it might be uncomfortable — or even unfathomable — to eat 3 large meals per day. You’ll likely feel better if you eat a small mini meal or snack every 2-3 hours. Small amounts of dry, salty foods every couple of hours — like 2-3 saltine crackers — is better than not eating at all.
Consume cold foods. Refrigerated or chilled foods offer less smell, which can help keep nausea at bay. Some foods to try include: unsweetened applesauce, avocado on dry toast, cold cereal, 1 oz of hard cheese or cold chicken or turkey (thinly sliced), or tofu cubes. Keeping fresh lemons on hand — to both smell and squeeze atop foods — can also help increase tolerance to food when you’re feeling nauseated.
Watch Your Position. After you’ve eaten, it’s helpful to sit for at least 30 minutes to help your stomach settle rather than lying down.
