Retrosigmoid — indent behind the ear AN side?

[bob_neuroma]

Hi again,

I have not yet had an appointment with my neurosurgeon so I thought I ask here.
On my right AN side where the surgery was performed there is a slight indentation in the skull, like a slight cavity or dimple.

Is this expected? Is it part of the healing process? I had my surgery in November but just now felt it and thought I'd ask.

Regards

[Greece Lover]

My surgery was Mid-fossa, so I don't know if it's the same or not, but I have sort of a dimple/ridge along the place where they made the incision and cut through the bone.  My doctor told me to expect that and it was totally normal. 

[MariettaJoker]

I also had surgery in Nov and I’m still healing. I have a very small ridge/dimple as well. I think in my case it may be the edge of the titanium plate that was installed that I’m feeling. It’s very small and not an issue at all, but I think that’s likely what you are experiencing. This would be a good topic to take up with your doctor on the next visit, but I suspect it’s normal.

[bob_neuroma]

Thanks for the reply both of you.

I will surely ask my neurosurgeon when I see him in about 6 weeks. I just ran across this:

The window of bone that was created to perform your operation has been secured in place with either small clamps or some plates and screws. These clamps or plates hold the bone fairly securely, but it usually takes up to 12 months for the bone window to fuse to the surrounding skull via growth of new bone across the narrow gap.

From https://www.precisionhealth.com.au/healthcare-services/advanced-neurosurgery-spinal-surgery/procedures-and-surgery/craniotomy/


Edit: Oh, this topic has already been brought up: https://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=15633.0

[RayDe]

I had retrosigmoid on my left side 8 months ago. I have the ridge behind my ear as well. About 1 one inch long .25 deep. I was concerned. Surgeon said it was atrophy of the muscle. He sent for a cat scan. I still have doubts. I still have pain and stiffness every day still. My tinnitus is awful. I now have gaze evoked tinnitus. That means when I move my eyes left or right it modulates or pulses. It's quite disturbing. He said the skull and neck muscles would take a year to heal. Slight to moderate headaches every day.

[bob_neuroma]

Sorry to hear RayDe. I hope your tinnitus gets better. Is the pain and stiffness around the ridge? Did the doctor believe these muscles would heal? Would they regain their strength and the ridge even out? I am very weak on the right side and expect to get stronger but I am not sure about the dent, or depression.

It seems to me from reading other people's posts that the dent or depression will be there, like a scar of sort. But I am not sure. 

Anyway, hope you feel better some day soon, heard recovery can take longer in some cases.

[Jill Marie]

Hi Bob,  I had my surgery in 1992 and have the indentation you are talking about.  I've had no problems with it.  Good luck with your recovery.  Jill Marie

[3tigerz]

I had retrosigmoid on my left side on 10/2020 and yes there is a dent there that goes up about 3 inches where the incision was and a couple of small round dents from the brace to secure your head during surgery. They are not a bother or hurt.

[donjehle]

Thank you, 3tigerz, for posting and sharing your experience with this!

[tsaff88]

I have the same indent after translab surgery 10 years ago.   The surgeon said not to worry about it and it's never been a problem. My Cross talk hearing aid fits right in!