Craniotomy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A craniotomy is a type of brain surgery in which a neurosurgeon temporarily removes a section of the skull (cranium) to access the brain. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, craniotomies are performed at major hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, all of which have specialized neurosurgery teams and advanced imaging technology.

Like any other organ, the brain can be affected by bleeding, infection, trauma, tumors, or other conditions that disrupt its function. Sometimes, these problems require brain surgery to diagnose, relieve pressure, or repair damage. If left untreated, serious brain conditions can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Conditions That May Require a Craniotomy

In the Grand Rapids area, neurosurgeons may recommend a craniotomy for conditions such as:

  • Bleeding inside the skull (intracranial hemorrhage)
  • Traumatic brain injury from falls, car accidents (common on winter roads in West Michigan), or sports injuries
  • Brain tumors (cancerous and noncancerous)
  • Brain abscesses or infections
  • Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain)
  • Aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  • Certain types of epilepsy that do not respond to medication

Pressure inside the skull can force the brain against the bone, damaging delicate brain tissue and interfering with normal function. This increased pressure is a medical emergency and often requires urgent treatment at hospitals like Butterworth or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

How a Craniotomy Is Performed

While the exact procedure varies depending on the condition being treated, the general steps of a craniotomy are similar.

Before Surgery

  • You will have brain imaging (CT or MRI scans) at a Grand Rapids hospital to locate the problem area.
  • Your neurosurgeon and anesthesiologist will review your medical history, medications, and any other health issues (such as heart disease, diabetes, or previous strokes, which are relatively common in Michigan’s aging population).
  • You will receive instructions about fasting, medications to stop or adjust, and what to bring to the hospital.

During the Craniotomy

  1. Scalp preparation
    The hair on part of your scalp is shaved where the incision will be made.

  2. General anesthesia
    You are given a general anesthetic so you are fully asleep and feel no pain.

  3. Head positioning
    Your head is placed on a round or horseshoe-shaped headrest.

    • If it is important to keep your head completely still, a head pin fixation device may be used to gently but firmly hold your skull in place.

  4. Planning the opening
    Using your preoperative CT or MRI scans, the neurosurgeon marks the safest and most effective site for the craniotomy.

  5. Opening the skull

    • The surgeon makes an incision in the scalp.
    • Small holes called burr holes are drilled in the skull using a perforator.
    • A tool called a craniotome is used to cut between the burr holes, creating a bone flap that can be lifted away.

  6. Accessing the brain

    • The protective membrane covering the brain (the dura) is opened, usually as a flap.
    • The neurosurgeon then treats the underlying problem—for example:
      • Repairing ruptured blood vessels
      • Removing a blood clot (hematoma)
      • Removing a tumor or abscess
      • Clipping an aneurysm or treating an AVM

  7. Closing the skull and scalp

    • When the operation is complete, the bone flap is usually replaced and secured.
    • The dura, muscle, and skin are closed with sutures or staples.
    • A drain may be left in place temporarily to remove excess blood or fluid.

A typical craniotomy can take around 2–3 hours, but more complex surgeries may take longer.

Immediately After a Craniotomy in Grand Rapids

After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area and then usually to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or a specialized neurosurgical unit at a Grand Rapids hospital.

What to Expect Right After Surgery

  • Close monitoring
    Nurses and doctors will closely watch your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and neurological status.

  • Breathing support

    • A breathing tube may remain in place until you are fully awake and able to breathe on your own.
    • Once you are stable, the tube is removed.

  • Head position
    Your head is typically elevated to about 30 degrees to help reduce intracranial (inside the skull) pressure.

  • Wound care

    • Your incision will be covered with a soft dressing.
    • You may notice some swelling or a mild depression where the bone flap was removed and replaced.

  • Pain control
    You will receive pain medication as prescribed to keep you comfortable.

  • Neurological checks
    Your neurosurgeon and nurses will regularly:

    • Check your pupils with a flashlight
    • Ask you simple questions
    • Test your strength and movement
      These checks help detect any early signs of brain swelling or damage.

  • Eye and facial swelling
    It is common to have swollen or bruised eyes for a few days after surgery.

Most patients in Grand Rapids stay in the hospital for 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the type of surgery, how they heal, and whether there are any complications.

Medications After a Craniotomy

Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed:

  • Steroids to reduce brain swelling
  • Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications to prevent seizures
  • Pain medication to manage discomfort
  • Antibiotics if there is a risk of infection

Follow your Grand Rapids neurosurgeon’s instructions closely. Ask before drinking alcohol, as it can interact with many medications and may not be safe during recovery.

Possible Complications of a Craniotomy

Craniotomy is a major surgery, and like all surgeries, it carries risks. Potential complications include:

  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia
  • Injury from the head pin fixation device
  • Injury to facial muscles or nearby structures
  • Injury to the sinuses
  • Infection of the bone flap or surgical site
  • Seizures
  • Bleeding inside the skull
  • Brain damage or stroke
  • Brain swelling
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs

Your neurosurgery team in Grand Rapids will discuss your specific risks based on your age, overall health, and the reason for your surgery.

Recovering at Home in Grand Rapids

Your recovery will be influenced by:

  • Your age and general health
  • The type and severity of your brain condition
  • Any neurological problems you had before surgery
  • The type of surgery performed
  • Whether you received radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other treatments after surgery

Common Symptoms During Recovery

After you return home to Grand Rapids or the surrounding Kent County area, you may notice:

  • Aching at the wound site for a few days
  • Itching as the incision heals
  • Headaches for about two weeks (sometimes longer)
  • A small pocket of fluid under the incision (often normal and usually resolves with time)
  • Numbness of the skin near the incision, which can last for months
  • Fatigue and low energy—afternoon naps can be helpful, especially during Michigan’s darker winter months

Activity and Work

  • Walking is strongly recommended as a safe, gentle form of exercise.
  • You may be able to return to light work after about 6 weeks, depending on your job and your neurosurgeon’s advice.
  • You may need to wait about 3 months before driving again; this is especially important in West Michigan where winter driving can be hazardous. Always get written clearance from your doctor before driving.

Sports and Physical Activity

  • Wait at least 3 months before returning to gentle, non-contact sports.
  • Avoid contact sports (such as football, hockey, or martial arts) for at least one year, or longer if your neurosurgeon advises.

Rehabilitation Services in Grand Rapids

If you have lingering neurological problems—such as weakness, clumsiness, balance issues, or speech and language difficulties—your doctor may recommend:

  • Physiotherapy (physical therapy)
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy

These services are available through major health systems in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health, as well as local rehabilitation centers.

When to Call Your Doctor or 911

Contact your neurosurgeon or primary care provider in Grand Rapids immediately if you notice:

  • Redness, warmth, pus, or foul-smelling drainage from the incision
  • Fever or chills
  • Severe or worsening headache that is not relieved by prescribed pain medication
  • Seizures
  • Persistent vomiting or nausea
  • Confusion, unusual behavior, or difficulty waking up
  • Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain

In an emergency, always call 911. In the Grand Rapids area, EMS can transport you quickly to the nearest appropriate hospital, such as Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health.

Long-Term Outlook After a Craniotomy

The long-term outcome depends on:

  • The type of brain injury or condition you had
  • How severe it was
  • Whether you experienced any complications
  • Whether there are ongoing neurological problems
  • The type of surgery and any postoperative treatments (like radiation or chemotherapy for brain cancer)

For some people, brain surgery is the first and main treatment. For others—especially those with brain tumors—additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed through oncology programs in Grand Rapids.

Regular follow-up with your neurosurgeon, neurologist, and primary care provider is essential. They may order repeat MRI or CT scans at local imaging centers to monitor your recovery.

Local Grand Rapids Resources and Support

If you or a family member is facing a craniotomy in Grand Rapids, you can find support and information through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Neurosciences
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neurosurgery
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Neurosciences
  • Mercy Health outpatient and specialty clinics in West Michigan
  • Kent County Health Department – for general public health resources and support
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community health programs – for education, rehabilitation referrals, and chronic disease management

Key Points About Craniotomy in Grand Rapids, MI

  • A craniotomy is surgery to temporarily remove part of the skull to access and treat the brain.
  • If left untreated, serious brain conditions can cause permanent brain damage or death.
  • After surgery, you are closely monitored—often in the ICU—with your head elevated and a breathing tube in place until you fully recover from anesthesia.
  • Brain surgery is often the first line of treatment for many brain injuries and conditions, but additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy may be needed.
  • Recovery involves rest, gradual activity, medication management, and sometimes rehabilitation, with careful follow-up from your Grand Rapids healthcare team.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, Michigan and have questions about craniotomy, talk with your primary care physician, neurologist, or a board-certified neurosurgeon at one of the city’s major hospital systems. They can provide a personalized evaluation and guide you through diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery.