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Headache after a craniotomy | CION Cancer Clinics
A headache after a craniotomy is usually at its worst in the first few days and eases steadily over the following weeks. Some people have milder headaches on and off for months. The scalp, jaw muscle, swelling and medicines all play a part. This page explains why your head hurts, what helps at home, and the kinds of headache that need a doctor the same day. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
MI
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed ImaduddinConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- How long does a headache last after a craniotomy?
- Why does your head hurt after brain surgery?
- What does recovery from the headache usually look like?
- What do families believe about headache after surgery?
- What can help the headache at home?
- Which painkillers are used, and what can this page not tell you?
- Common questions about headache after craniotomy
The short answer
How long does a headache last after a craniotomy?
For most people the headache is worst in the first few days and eases steadily over the following weeks. Some people have milder headaches on and off for a few months, and a smaller group have headaches that last longer and need their own treatment plan.
Why there is no single answer
How long it lasts depends on where the operation was, how much the scalp and jaw muscles were disturbed, whether there is swelling inside the head, and what medicines you are on. Someone who had surgery near the temple often has more pain on chewing. Someone coming off steroids may notice headaches return as the dose is lowered.
What should be improving
The pattern matters more than the pain on any single day. A headache that is gradually getting better, week on week, is the expected course. A headache that is getting worse, or that suddenly changes character, is not, and needs to be checked.
Why the family's view counts
Someone recovering from brain surgery may be tired, a little muddled or keen not to worry anyone, and may play the pain down. The son, daughter or partner at home often notices first that something has changed. If you are that person, trust what you see. A call to the team is never a wasted call.
Keep a simple daily note of how bad the headache is and what medicine you took. It helps your team far more than a memory of "it has been bad".
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A headache that cannot wait
Go to the nearest emergency department the same day, and say the person has had brain surgery, if a headache comes on suddenly and severely, or keeps getting worse. The same applies to a headache with repeated vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, a fit, new weakness, a stiff neck, fever or clear fluid from the nose or wound. Do not wait to see if painkillers settle it.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistWhere the pain comes from
Why does your head hurt after brain surgery?
The brain itself does not feel pain. The ache comes from the tissues around it, and often more than one cause is at work.
The scalp and wound
The skin, nerves and muscles along the cut are healing. This pain is often sore and tender to touch, and it settles as the wound heals.
The jaw muscle
After surgery near the temple, the chewing muscle is lifted and stitched back. Opening the mouth, chewing and yawning can hurt for some weeks.
Changes inside the head
Swelling, a small amount of blood or air, or a change in the fluid around the brain can all cause headache. These are what the team watches for.
A headache that is worse when sitting up and better lying flat can point to a fluid leak. Tell the team.Medicines
Headaches can return as steroid medicines are reduced. Using painkillers every day for a long time can also, over time, keep a headache going.
The usual course
What does recovery from the headache usually look like?
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In hospital
Pain is usually strongest now. The ward gives regular pain relief and checks how alert you are, often through the night. Say how bad the pain is honestly, rather than putting up with it.
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The first weeks at home
Headaches ease, but can flare with tiredness, bright screens, long car journeys or not drinking enough water. Rest in short, regular breaks.
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The following months
Many people have only occasional, milder headaches. Some notice they come back as steroids are lowered, or on busy days after returning to work.
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If it is not settling
A headache that is still troubling you at follow-up deserves a proper review. It may need a scan, a change in medicines, or referral to a pain or headache specialist.
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Commonly believed
What do families believe about headache after surgery?
"A headache means the tumour has come back."
Headache after a craniotomy is very common and is usually part of healing. It cannot tell you anything about the tumour on its own. A headache that is steadily worsening should still be checked, because only a scan and an examination can answer that question.
"It is better to bear the pain than take tablets."
Uncontrolled pain disturbs sleep, eating and walking, all of which slow recovery. Take the pain relief your team prescribed, as prescribed, and tell them if it is not enough.
"Once the headache stops, the steroid tablets can stop too."
Steroids after brain surgery must be reduced slowly, on a plan from your team. Stopping them suddenly can make you unwell. Never change the dose on your own.
"Strong balms rubbed on the head will ease it."
Balms and oils on or near a healing wound can irritate it and cause infection. Keep them away from the scar until it has fully healed.
At home
What can help the headache at home?
- Taking prescribed pain relief regularly, as the team advised
- Drinking enough water through the day
- Sleeping with the head slightly raised in the first weeks
- Short rests, and breaks from phone and TV screens
- Soft foods if chewing hurts after surgery near the temple
- A daily note of pain levels and medicines taken
Pain relief
Which painkillers are used, and what can this page not tell you?
Paracetamol is usually the first medicine used. Stronger painkillers may be added for a short time. Your surgeon decides what is safe for you, because some common painkillers can affect bleeding soon after surgery.
Check before you add anything
Do not add over-the-counter tablets, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or combination headache pills, without asking your team first. Many combination pills already contain paracetamol, so it is easy to take too much by mistake. If you are on medicines to prevent fits, ask before taking anything new.
Who this does not describe
People who had regular migraines before surgery may find their old headaches return, and may need their earlier treatment reviewed. People having radiotherapy afterwards can have headaches linked to that treatment instead.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot tell you what is causing your own headache, or whether it needs a scan. Your surgical team can, and a call is always reasonable.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about headache after craniotomy
Is it normal to still have headaches weeks after brain surgery?
Yes, milder headaches for some weeks are common, especially when tired or after a busy day. What matters is that they are slowly getting better. A headache that is getting worse, waking you from sleep with vomiting, or coming with new symptoms should be checked the same day.
Why does it hurt when I chew?
If your operation was on the side of the head, the chewing muscle over the temple was lifted and stitched back. It takes weeks to heal, and chewing, yawning or opening wide can hurt. Soft foods help. Gentle jaw movement as advised helps it loosen. Tell your team if you cannot open your mouth enough to eat.
Why is the headache worse when I sit up?
A headache that clearly worsens on sitting or standing and eases when lying flat can mean fluid is leaking from around the brain. It is not always that, but it needs checking. Tell your team the same day, especially if there is clear fluid from your nose or wound, or a salty taste.
My headaches came back as the steroid dose was lowered. What does that mean?
This is quite common. Steroids reduce swelling in the brain, and as the dose falls some swelling or headache can return. Do not raise or restart the dose yourself. Call the team who prescribed it. They may slow the reduction or check with a scan.
Can I take my usual headache tablet from the medical shop?
Ask your surgical team first. Some common tablets can affect bleeding soon after surgery, and many contain paracetamol, which doubles up with what you are already given. Show the pharmacist or doctor the box, and your full prescription list, before taking anything new.
Can screens and phone use make the headache worse?
For many people, yes. Concentrating on a screen, bright light and poor posture can bring on a headache while the brain is recovering. You do not need to avoid phones completely. Use them in short spells, lower the brightness and take regular breaks.
Will I have headaches for the rest of my life?
Most people do not. Headaches usually fade over weeks to months. A smaller group have headaches that last longer. These can still be treated, often with a different plan from ordinary painkillers. If headaches persist, ask for a review rather than accepting them as permanent.
My father will not say how bad his pain is. What can I do?
Watch rather than ask. Notice if he winces on chewing, avoids light, lies down more, eats less or is short-tempered. Keep a simple daily note for him. Mention any sudden change, confusion or drowsiness to the team straight away, even if he says he is fine.
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Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Brain tumours
- NHS — Brain tumours
- NHS — Medication overuse headaches
- Cancer.Net — Brain tumor
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
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