system
What causes memory loss suddenly after stint put in the heart?
human
My father is 76 and was fine this time last week. He had 80 percent blockage in the front f his heart and a stint was put in. He remembers nothing and is very confused still after a week. He went back to his medical doctor on Friday and he is puzzled. I wonder what s wrong?
gpt
Hi, thanks for the query. As per your description, there are 2 possibilities. 1. During process of putting a stent, small blood clots called as emboli may get dislodged & get inside blood vessels supplying the brain. If any such blood vessel supplying a particular area of brain gets blocked due to an embolus; symptoms specific to the particular area blocked appear (memory problems of sudden origin in case of your father). Alternatively second explanation is there is a post stent/post operative condition known as delirium or acute confusional state characterized by fluctuating state of consciousness, alertness, misidentification, sleep disturbances, extreme apathy or aggression etc. delirium is a medical emergency & we aggressively need to do certain blood investigations to ascertain electrolytes levels, blood parameters, ruling out infection etc. Depending upon his prominent symptoms, low dose antipsychotics like haloperidol, olanzapine etc. will treat his condition. Do consult your cardiologist to rule out these 2 conditions. Hope this helps. Good Luck