How long will they be given sedatives?
People are likely to be given sedative drugs as long as they are on a entilator in the intensive care unit. Sedation can make it more difficult for doctors to assess the patient, but the drugs will only be stopped when they feel it is safe to do so. This means that once stable measurements (normal pressure inside the head, blood pressure, lung function, reflex responses and so on) have been achieved, the drugs can be stopped. If a person has been on sedatives for several days it may take some time for their effects to wear off. If an operation has been done will further surgery be required? This is unlikely. Even if the pressure in the head starts to rise, surgery is not often required. If there is an increase in pressure the neurosurgeon will most probably order another CT scan to check that there has been no further bleeding or swelling, and will inform the family of the findings and any necessary treatment. How can the pressure be treated? The neurosurgeon will know what sort of pre
