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What Causes Confusion, Disorientation And Lack Of Concentration After Cardioversion?
Question: my husband is a 75 yr old male who recently had a cardio version done in July 2015. he was given 30 mg of propofol by his heart dr through IV for this procedure. After he came out of the procedure he felt confused, disoriented, unable to concentrate, cognitive ability was terrible, and seems like he has an onset of dementia. Can you please direct me to whom we should see to treat his condition? how long will it take for him to get better? his heart surgeon and gp say that it is severe depression and NOT an effect from the surgery. my belief is that propofol may be the cause of his symptoms. he was able to concentrate and was never like this before the day of the cardio version.. please help.. thank you
Brief Answer:
Brain scan is needed
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,
If symptoms were acute and started after cardioversion, then it may be a results of thromboembolism. When a patient has arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, then a thrombus may arise in his heart. During cardioversion it can go to brain and cause stroke. Nowadays it is very rare complication, as thrombus is usually solved before the procedure. But sometimes a minuscule thrombus can rest. To find out if there was a thromboembolism, your husband will need a brain scan. If it comes back normal, then it is really depression.
Hope I could help you
Wishing a good health to your husband
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Brain scan is needed
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,
If symptoms were acute and started after cardioversion, then it may be a results of thromboembolism. When a patient has arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, then a thrombus may arise in his heart. During cardioversion it can go to brain and cause stroke. Nowadays it is very rare complication, as thrombus is usually solved before the procedure. But sometimes a minuscule thrombus can rest. To find out if there was a thromboembolism, your husband will need a brain scan. If it comes back normal, then it is really depression.
Hope I could help you
Wishing a good health to your husband
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hello, thanks for quick response ... how is minuscule thrombus diagnosed. he just had an Electroencephalography that came back normal. he also had a cat scan that came back normal. is there possibility that minuscule thrombus can be not detected on the EEG? What are treatment options for minuscule thrombus?
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,
If he had cat scan and EEG with normal results, then thrombus is excluded.
So, either it is real depression or Alzheimer should be excluded.
But there is also some possibility that there was a transient ischemia of brain, which has lead t such symptoms, in this case you will notice gradual recovery.
Take care
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,
If he had cat scan and EEG with normal results, then thrombus is excluded.
So, either it is real depression or Alzheimer should be excluded.
But there is also some possibility that there was a transient ischemia of brain, which has lead t such symptoms, in this case you will notice gradual recovery.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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