Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 10/24/2011

Question
Dear Ian,
I am 58 years old, 4 months post operative & experiencing severe vertigo & dizziness as well as decreasing mental acuity.I read your response to a previous question regarding vertigo in which you mention "There is evidence that the combination of anaesthesia and surgery can have a major effect on patients brain function in older patients". Can you comment further or guide me to another source for information on this? My doctor, by default, is diagnosing MAV.
Thank you. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Ann

Answer
Dear Ann
I a really sorry to hear about your problem. Unfortunately it is a difficult issue and there is very little research on this. It appears that there is a sub population of people who are very sensitive to anaesthesia/surgery due to something in their genetic makeup. I have not seen anything recently that I can point you to I'm afraid.
There is so little about this that I have not seen anything with advice on management. I suspect it is like many of these things - exercises to tax your balance (many physios can give you some exercises to perform with your eyes) is perhaps all we can offer.
Sorry I can't help further with this.
Dr Ian Jackson