Recovery

At Owensboro Health, neuroscience is more than just world-class surgeons and technology. Our top-rated program is equally attentive to your recovery, including post-operative care, early mobilization and prevention of infection.

What to Expect

After surgery, we’ll monitor your motor skills, strength and nerve function every hour for the first six hours. We’ll test your sensation and motor movement to check for swelling or nerve damage. For example, patients recovering from cervical fusion procedures are asked to squeeze a machine called a dynamometer to see how many pounds of pressure they can apply.

Within five hours of surgery, you’ll be out of bed and walking as much as possible. Although it may be uncomfortable at first, walking helps prevent muscle spasms, improves blood flow and decreases pain in the long run. We encourage patients to walk three times a day after discharge.

Most patients will see their physician’s office one week after surgery for a wound care check, and again in two weeks for more neurological exams. Most procedures require limited activity for six weeks.

Promoting independence

Our highly-trained neuroscience nurses liken themselves to “friendly drill sergeants” – their goal is to promote independence, so they’ll encourage you to push through your initial weaknesses

We also encourage visitors, incorporating families into your recovery. In one-on-one sessions, we’ll teach you and your caregivers everything you need to know about managing incisions, limiting activities and other important guidelines. We will provide take-home materials for your convenience.

To learn more about neurosurgery at Owensboro Health, or to make a referral, call toll-free (877) 888-6647. Calls are answered 24 hours a day.