Recovery from TBI depends on whether the injury sustained is mild, moderate, or severe.

Obviously, the more severe the injury, the longer it will take the patient to recover. If the patient had to have surgery, recovery depends partly on whether the patient suffered any complications following the surgery.

Patients who undergo surgery for TBI are usually in hospital for 5-10 days, then recover at home a further 6-12 weeks. More severe injuries may require ongoing care in a rehabilitation unit.

For patients recovering from a craniotomy, they may expect the following to occur:

• You will be monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU)
• You may remain on a machine that does the work of breathing for you until the anesthetic has worn off
• Your head will be elevated about 30 degrees to decrease the risk of increased intracranial pressure
• Your wound will be covered with a gauze dressing
• You will be offered pain medication to help with any pain you may be experiencing
• The neurosurgeon and nursing staff will check your vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) frequently. They may also ask you questions to ensure that you are oriented, as well as the size of your pupils. They may also check motor strength of your arms and legs.
• Your eyes may appear bruised and swollen
• You may be given medications to prevent seizures and swelling
• You will likely stay in hospital for 5 days-2 weeks, depending on your condition and whether you have any complications from the surgery
• Your stitches will be taken out about one week after the surgery
• You will be monitored carefully for any late-developing complications
• You may receive physiotherapy following surgery to help you regain strength and function