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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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80 Year Old Had Surgery For Chronic Subdural Hematoma. Did Burr Hole On Both Sides Of The Head. CT Scan Showing Blood Clot. When Will He Become Conscious?

My father is 80 years old. 5 days ago (Monday), he had surgery to address a chronic subdural hematoma (400cc of liquid/blood). Burrhole on both sides of his head. Tubes were removed Wednesday. He didn t wake up on Wednesday so on Thursday, NGT for 250 calories, every 4 hours. Friday am, CT scan revealed a blood clot on his right side (100 cc), another burrhole. My question is, what can be the possible reasons why he is not waking up? Both neurosurgeon and neurologist , after reviewing his CT scan say that they see no reason why he is not waking up and that we should just wait.
Wed, 12 Sep 2012
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello,
Prolonged unconsciousness following surgery may be due to a variety of causes. Since the CT scan is normal so causes that would be most likely are imbalance of electrolytes (like sodium etc) in the blood. But since both neurosurgeon and neurologist have seen, I am sure this must have been tested and ruled out by them. He is very old and with aging body is not capable of handling problems as well as a young body is. I will agree with your doctors that waiting hoping for the best is the only option. If it is feasible in your hospital, MRI may be helpful in coming to a conclusion.
Good luck.
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80 Year Old Had Surgery For Chronic Subdural Hematoma. Did Burr Hole On Both Sides Of The Head. CT Scan Showing Blood Clot. When Will He Become Conscious?

Hello, Prolonged unconsciousness following surgery may be due to a variety of causes. Since the CT scan is normal so causes that would be most likely are imbalance of electrolytes (like sodium etc) in the blood. But since both neurosurgeon and neurologist have seen, I am sure this must have been tested and ruled out by them. He is very old and with aging body is not capable of handling problems as well as a young body is. I will agree with your doctors that waiting hoping for the best is the only option. If it is feasible in your hospital, MRI may be helpful in coming to a conclusion. Good luck.