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The Global Insight

Can brain surgery cause personality changes?

Author

James Olson

Updated on April 06, 2026

A major surgery and its treatments can cause changes in a personality and ability to think. Patients may experience challenges with their communication, concentration, memory and emotional abilities. Most brain tumor patients exhibit signs that are consistent with depression and agitation, especially post surgery.

What are the chances of living after brain surgery?

Here are some basic survival rate statistics, as reported by the American Cancer Society: Oligodendroglioma – 90% for patients 20-44, 82% for patients 45-54 and 69% for patients 55-64. Meningioma – 84% for patients 20-44, 79% for patients 45-54 and 74% for patients 55-64.

Can you live alone after brain surgery?

Past studies have shown that after a moderate-severe TBI, the person often needs supervision and help from others. Many who lived alone before the injury must move in with family members after the injury. As time goes by, many people begin to live more independently again.

Can you return to work brain surgery?

Returning to work after brain injury can be a complicated process that will look different for everyone. But finding employment again can offer a sense of accomplishment and improve your self-esteem. Some TBI patients will be able to return to their old job, while others may need to find a new occupation.

Do you ever fully recover from brain surgery?

Some people may complete recovery in a few weeks or months, others will have to learn to adjust to permanent changes in their life such as not being able to work or accomplish all the same tasks they did before.

What can go wrong during brain surgery?

As with any brain surgery, awake brain surgery has the potential for risks and complications. These include bleeding, brain swelling, infection, brain damage or death. Other surgical complications may include seizures, muscle weakness, and problems with memory and thinking.

How long does it take to fully recover from brain surgery?

You will probably feel very tired for several weeks after surgery. You may also have headaches or problems concentrating. It can take 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery.

How long does it take to wake up after brain surgery?

Most people wake up a few hours after their brain surgery. But sometimes, your surgeon might decide to keep you asleep for a few days after surgery, to help you recover.

What should I avoid after brain surgery?

Opt for complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain bread and pasta, and whole fruits (not dried or canned) after a mild traumatic brain injury. However, you need to avoid eating too much carbohydrate-rich food such as bread, rice, cookies, or sugary candies. They can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

How long is recovery after brain surgery?

Your Recovery You will probably feel very tired for several weeks after surgery. You may also have headaches or problems concentrating. It can take 4 to 8 weeks to recover from surgery. Your cuts (incisions) may be sore for about 5 days after surgery.

How to adjust to a new life after brain surgery?

I still had most of my senses and basic movements – hearing, sight, speaking, and walking – but now they were different and made life full of opportunities. The long-term damage from my brain tumor – a fourth ventricle subependymoma – includes several main challenges that define the new me.

What are the long-term effects of brain surgery?

Stu shares how the long-term physical impacts after brain surgery, including vision, balance and speech difficulties, have helped him appreciate the minutia of life and enjoy the world around him. Emerging from my craniectomy in 2016, I found a new, but still familiar, me.

What happens to your body after brain tumor surgery?

However before that comes an important step after brain tumor sugery. Extreme care and recovery is mandatory after any brain tumor surgery to ensure your overall well being. Once the neurosurgery is over, it will take time for you to regain your original level of energy.

Why do I feel weird after brain surgery?

You’re feeling weird because of the medicine, not because you’ve become Phinneas Gage or something. Scar tissue is a bitch.