Postoperative cognitive dysfunction
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Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) refers to cognitive problems (with memory, learning and the ability to concentrate) following surgery.
Recent studies suggest that the incidence of POCD increases with age, and a regular cause is hypoxemia, a condition in which there is an inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood. This is usually avoidable if correct surgical procedure is followed.
There has been very limited research into POCD, but existing reports suggest that it can last for long periods of time, with 2-3 months considered long-term.
[edit] See also
- Pumphead syndrome
- Post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment (aka "chemo brain")
[edit] External links
- Study of POCD
- http://www.eurosiva.org/Archive/Goteborg/Abstracts/rasmus.htm
- http://www.euroanesthesia.org/education/rc_amsterdam/01rc1.HTM
- http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1034/j.1399-6576.2003.00057.x
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