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Wednesday, June 14. 2017

Can major surgery damage your brain?

From knee and hip replacements to coronary bypass, there is considerable evidence for permanent brain damage in some individuals.


This phenomenon seems to be not unusual in patients over age 55. It seems to be an unmentioned risk of surgery. I have seen several cases of long-lasting (? permanent) cognitive setbacks after surgeries, so I am glad that people are exploring the topic.

Posted by Dr. Joy Bliss in Medical at 16:21 | Comments (11) | Trackbacks (0)

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We get a few psychiatric emergency admissions a year of people having manic episodes after surgery. It is extremely rare for BPAD to have a first episode after age 50 otherwise.
#1 Assistant Village Idiot (Link) on 2017-06-14 17:25 (Reply)
I had so much pain after my surgery I thought I was losing my mind.
#2 GoneWithTheWind on 2017-06-14 18:54 (Reply)
I've heard the condition is called "pump head" ...
#3 Adriane on 2017-06-14 20:10 (Reply)
I had "beating heart bypass" five years ago. Single vessel bypass and it is still open. The purpose was to avoid "pump head."
#3.1 Mike-K (Link) on 2017-06-14 22:20 (Reply)
"I have seen several cases of long-lasting (? permanent) cognitive setbacks after surgeries ..."

We know, but we try to be kind and we know you do the best you can. Most people probably don't even notice so don't worry. And you have a kind heart. That's what matters.

;)
#4 Kevin on 2017-06-15 00:06 (Reply)
I used to work in an ENT office and we would see hearing loss post surgery. Not only loss of frequency threshold but reduced ability to recognize words. And it rarely was recovered.
#5 ama on 2017-06-15 01:17 (Reply)
My thought is it is the anesthesia that causes the problems and not so much the surgery itself.
#6 JC on 2017-06-15 04:45 (Reply)
Well, I already have COPD, and now I learn that surgery might give me POCD.
How cool is that?
#7 rich whiteman on 2017-06-15 06:46 (Reply)
I don't know about permanent, but I've learned to expect a medium-length period of real confusion and weirdness in any elderly friend or relative after surgery. I couldn't begin to guess whether it's the anesthesia or what.
#8 Texan99 on 2017-06-15 09:01 (Reply)
off topic:

Is Over-The-Counter Contraception For Teens A Good Idea?

http://thefederalist.com/2017/06/15/counter-contraception-teens-good-idea/

The author opines it is a bad idea because HBC(hormonal birth control) may have serious side effects for growing bodies, though no data is given for risk assessment, and no mention is made of using HBC to control acne in girls.

My opinion is that society would be better off with OTC HBC. Though not a perfect solution my SWAG is that the benefits would outweigh the costs.

Am I wildly off base?
#9 feeblemind on 2017-06-15 12:02 (Reply)
Yes you are off topic. I think putting birth control OTC is not a good idea. If you think teenagers are going to be responsible enough to take it in the required sequence and follow the safely guidelines you may be mistaken. I know adult dimwit women that didn't think it would be a problem to skip a day or two before they got the prescription refilled. The result was an unintended consequence, a child. If you are a big believer in abortion you might not see that as a problem, however there are a number of side effects from abortion and sometimes very serious side effects.
#9.1 JC on 2017-06-15 13:56 (Reply)

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