Complications

Abstract

Complications form a very significant element of the Oral Board Examination. The scoring system gives a grade for the handling of complications relevant to the treatment. The good news is that there are a limited number of complications in neurosurgery. Again, complications are expected on the Oral Board Examination. The most common complications are: postoperative neuropathic pain, postoperative wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, C5 nerve palsy, postoperative cranial or spinal hematoma, hyponatremia, vasospasm, intraoperative aneurysm rupture (open or endovascular), major arterial injuries with cranial and spinal surgery, uncontrolled intracranial pressure, brain swelling during operative exposure, and esophageal injury. These are discussed in this chapter.