Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/5/2010

Question
I was struck by a car 2 months ago and had a concussion from which I am mostly recovered) but am still not doing great on my cognitive testing/vestibular testing).  I am scheduled to have some surgery on an unrelated matter next week (fixing a breast reconstruction after mastectomy).  Is this safe, or should I wait longer to undergo the surgery? My family is worried that anesthesia could exacerbate my concussion symptoms.

Answer
It shouldn't be a problem but if it is not something that needs to be done right now, it might be wise to wait. It is not that doing it now will hurt you, but more like if you should have delayed resolution of your concussion, this will eliminate anesthesia as the cause of that.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston