Unusual Sensation Post-Surgery
I am a 48-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 135 pounds, generally in good health. My routine medications include Effexor at a dose of 225 mg, Trazodone 150 mg, and Atorvastatin 20 mg. Occasionally, I take Ambien 5 mg for sleep, but it’s not a regular habit. Currently, I am four days post-op from a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, which was performed without preserving the nipples. As advised, I am taking the maximum daily dosage of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and I have been prescribed Kedlex 500 mg to take four times a day until tomorrow. I also use oxycodone sporadically for any sharp pain that arises. While I anticipated experiencing some numbness in my chest area following the surgery, I am mostly feeling well and healing nicely, aside from a few twinges of discomfort around one of the surgical ports, which doesn't concern me. However, I am noticing an unusual sensation in the back right side of my head. It’s not fully numb, but it feels as if only part of the nerves are functioning when I touch that area. Interestingly, my ear seems unaffected, yet the remainder of that section feels strangely muted. My facial sensations remain normal. Could anyone provide insight into this odd experience?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 3:10:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about unusual sensations post-surgery, especially when recovering from a significant procedure like a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. The sensations you're experiencing in the back right side of your head, while they can be concerning, may have a few explanations.
Explanation
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Nerve Sensitivity: After surgery, the body undergoes significant changes, including alterations in nerve signaling due to the trauma of surgery, anesthesia, and the healing process. It's common for nerves to react differently in areas away from the surgical site, leading to sensations like tingling, dullness, or even muted feelings.
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Referred Sensation: Sometimes, irritation or trauma in one part of the body can affect sensations in a different area, a phenomenon known as referred sensation. Given that surgery was concentrated in the upper body, nerves in the neck and head could be temporarily affected.
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Muscle Tension or Strain: If you’ve altered your physical posture or movements post-surgery (perhaps to avoid pain), this could also lead to sensations from muscle strain or tension in the neck and back of your head.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the progression of your sensation. If it persists, worsens, or if you start to notice additional symptoms such as weakness or significant pain, these could indicate a need for further evaluation.
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Gentle Stretching and Relaxation: Practice gentle neck and shoulder stretches to relieve any muscle tension which might be contributing to your sensations. Aim for a few minutes of gentle movements several times a day.
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Pain Management: Continue managing your pain as prescribed. If you find that discomfort persists or increases, consider adjusting how you manage your medications under the guidance of your prescribing doctor.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and allowing your body ample rest to support the healing process.
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Follow-up Care: If the sensation does not improve or if you have any new symptoms, seek advice from your healthcare provider for a thorough examination.
It's great to hear that you’re healing well overall from your surgery. While it’s common to experience a variety of sensations as you recover, staying in tune with your body and reaching out for help when needed is essential. Please take care and don’t hesitate to reach out for further support if required.
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