Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/8/2008

Question
Mother had a stent put into the carotid artery. When she woke she was out of it mentally. She believed that terrorists were attacking and a tornado had hit her home. The problem is she is alert now but she still believes this to be true. No talking her out of it. Could it be the anesthesia making her believe this was real or could it be linked to the surgery? Even though she is alert and doing okay for her condition she relives this and believes it to be very real. She had no prior events such as this before surgery. Her mind is or was sharp.
Thanks,
Mickey

Answer
First look out the window and make sure there are no terrorists :-> Seriously, this is more likely secondary to the procedure, rather than the anesthesia. Whenever you work near the carotid there is a chance that you might knock off a plaque that embolizes to the brain. It could also be sundowning. In either case, you might want to get her evaluated by a neurologist and/or psychiatrist to make sure there is no organic reason for these beliefs.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston