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Can Propofol Cause Confusion And Dementia?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Nov 2015
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 for this? will he get better? how long will it take for him to get better? his heart surgeon and gp say that it is severe depression and not due to the surgery. my belief is that it was propofol. he was able to concentrate and was never like this before the day of the cardio version.. please help.. thank you
medicines that my husband is currently taking

-coumadin
-zoloft
-xanax
-restoril
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be related to medicines

Detailed Answer:
propofal can cause confusion and anterograde amnesia for few hours but not continuously as you have described. as most of the tests have come back normal it could be depression only but also people with AF are more prone for dementia and could be possibility but when evaluated by psychiatrist and neurologist they would have diagnosed it. other possibility is micro embolisation due to AF or due to Cardioversion. you may stop sleeping pills and any other medicines he is taking
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (1 hour later)
is there a test to show if it was micro embolisation ? also is there a positive rehabilitation treatment for micro embolisation ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
MRI

Detailed Answer:
MRI test can give some clues or ideas but no definitive test. Yes rehabilitation will help
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol

Cardiologist, Interventional

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 427 Questions

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Can Propofol Cause Confusion And Dementia?

Brief Answer: Does not seem to be related to medicines Detailed Answer: propofal can cause confusion and anterograde amnesia for few hours but not continuously as you have described. as most of the tests have come back normal it could be depression only but also people with AF are more prone for dementia and could be possibility but when evaluated by psychiatrist and neurologist they would have diagnosed it. other possibility is micro embolisation due to AF or due to Cardioversion. you may stop sleeping pills and any other medicines he is taking