As the chief of the Division of Neurosurgery at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, Dr. Franklin Epstein oversees all procedures on the brain. Dr. Franklin Epstein comes to his role backed by more than 40 years of experience in practice.
Because each brain and brain tumor removal surgery is different, all patients respond in their own way to brain tumor surgery. The brain swells in response to the surgical intervention, and that swelling can cause a variety of emotional, cognitive, and physical changes. Brain tumor surgery patients often report balance issues, weakness, and speech problems. Many patients also experience periodic dizziness and episodes of confusion that, while distressing, are most often a normal part of the brain’s adjustment to its altered structure.
As the patient’s recovery continues, he or she may experience continuing cognitive disturbances such as reduced attention or processing speed. For these patients, cognitive therapy often helps to restore function. The same may be true for patients who struggle with the completion of everyday tasks, a process known as executive function. Physical and occupational therapy can help with continuing gross or fine motor issues, while speech language pathology may be useful for patients with language difficulties after surgery.
Because each brain and brain tumor removal surgery is different, all patients respond in their own way to brain tumor surgery. The brain swells in response to the surgical intervention, and that swelling can cause a variety of emotional, cognitive, and physical changes. Brain tumor surgery patients often report balance issues, weakness, and speech problems. Many patients also experience periodic dizziness and episodes of confusion that, while distressing, are most often a normal part of the brain’s adjustment to its altered structure.
As the patient’s recovery continues, he or she may experience continuing cognitive disturbances such as reduced attention or processing speed. For these patients, cognitive therapy often helps to restore function. The same may be true for patients who struggle with the completion of everyday tasks, a process known as executive function. Physical and occupational therapy can help with continuing gross or fine motor issues, while speech language pathology may be useful for patients with language difficulties after surgery.