Acute postoperative confusion and hallucinations in Parkinson disease

Article Abstract:

Parkinson disease is a chronic nervous disorder characterized by fine, slowly spreading tremor, muscle weakness and rigidity, and a peculiar gait or unusual manner of walking. The risk of developing confusion after an operation was assessed in patients with Parkinson disease. The charts of patients with Parkinson disease who remained in the hospital at least 48 hours after surgery were reviewed. Of 25 patients with Parkinson disease who underwent surgery, 15 developed acute or sudden confusion, and 9 of these patients experienced hallucinations. These neuropsychiatric disorders often lingered after surgery, and confusional states lasted an average of two and a half days, although several patients were discharged before the disorders were resolved. The disturbances were unrelated to anesthetics or drugs used to treat Parkinson disease. These findings indicate that patients with Parkinson disease are at increased risk of developing confusion after surgery and may require environmental support. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Case studies, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Parkinsonism, Hallucinations and illusions, Hallucinations, Psychological manifestations of general diseases, Psychological symptoms

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From delirium cordis to atrial fibrillation: historical development of a disease concept

Article Abstract:

Controversy still surrounds the mechanism which triggers the heart to go into atrial fibrillation despite progress and understanding gained in 200 years of medical observation. Once this mechanism is explained, there is hope that a cure may be close behind. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid and irregular contractions in the upper chambers of the heart. With the discovery of electricity, scientists began experimenting with the electrical properties of the heart's activity and its diseases. It was found that atrial fibrillation also has an electrical basis. Two theories were proposed to explain the origin of this disease. One speculated that there is a single central point in the heart that perpetuates this arrhythmia. The other theorized that the irregular contractions move in a circular fashion and could do so endlessly. Modern medicine leans toward the second theory, but speculation continues.

Research, Medicine, History, History of medicine, Atrial fibrillation

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Postoperative delirium: a multicomponent targeted medical intervention reduces postoperative delirium in elderly persons undergoing hip fracture repair

Article Abstract:

A study carried out to assess an intervention to prevent postoperative delirium in patients above 65 years of age who were admitted for hip repair fracture is discussed. A structure preventive approach reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative delirium, congruent with the trial in hospitalized medical patients.

United States, Care and treatment, Fracture fixation, Hip fracture repair

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