What Causes Swelling In Legs And Abdominal Bloating After A Brain Surgery?

Posted on Wed, 30 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 Answered on

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : About six weeks ago my wife fell and developed a large blood clot on her brain. 8 days later they had to cut open her scalp and leave open for 36 hours to drain. It was put back with 35 staples & 40 stitches. Her head & brain are fine, she was 32 days in hospital. In the past 4 months she has had swelling in her legs, ankles, feet & stomach, which has gotten worse & is painful. The color at feet & ankles has redness. She has tried protein and water pills but the swelling will not go down & this area is painful to the touch. We can not find anyone to find a solution on how to reduce the swelling. Your suggestions would be helpful as to what kind of a Doctor she should see. YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy, limb elevation and physician opinion is advisable

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The initial injury was treated well and her neurological status hopefully improved.
Now the swelling all over body may be due to malnutrition, hypoproteinemia, or arthritis if joint is selectively involved.
Another possibility may be deep vein thrombosis of leg.
What are the blood reports like renal function, liver function, uric acid?
For consultation a general physician will be good.
Treatment remains physiotherapy, high protein diet and maintenance of blood electrolytes.
You can upload current and previous reports and prescription for better advice.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (12 hours later)

She is using compression socks which allows her to walk without the use of a walker. Her balance is good. Her brain function is good. Her vision is changing. She has a titanium plate in her head & occasionally has some throbbing on the left side but very little pain. Her blood pressure is normal, but prior to the fall was low. She drinks more than moderately & has for many years, naturally she had no gin for the 32 days she was in hospital and had no craving for it while there. Her main concern is how can she get rid of the swelling which now has caused some pain in the legs. She eats & sleeps quite well. These problems all developed due to tremendous stress caused by her live in partner after her died from an apparent heart attack while shoveling snow last February and his daughter who wants all the money, partly because his Will was shit but now had a

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Upload reports and consult a physician too

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Seems like the follow up was incomplete? You can upload all reports and medication taken.
Mild swelling may be due to posture, drugs, hypoproteinemia.
Some swelling improves on its own with time.
Visit and consult a physician.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar