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What Causes Memory Loss After Craniotomy To Clip A Bleeding Brain Aneurysm
Posted on
Mon, 26 Jan 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 26 Jan 2015
Answered on
Fri, 13 Feb 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I had a craniotomy to clip a bleeding brain aneurysm in July 2007, complicated by more than normal swelling, a cerebral spinal fluid leak and 3 other problems that required re-hospitalization. I noticed memory loss as soon as I woke up from surgery. MRI studies show that the encephlomalacia in the frontal lobes has not progressed. I miss my photographic memory. I have a PhD in organic chemistry, yet I fear my knowledge of my subject has diminished. Will I ever recover? Why did my neurosurgeon and my neurologist never point out that my balance and memory problems stemmed from this event?
Brief Answer:
Your concerns related to aneurysm complications.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
In my opinion, your concerns are conseguences of ruptured brain aneurysm complicated with subarachnoidal hemorrhage.
One of serious complications of ruptured brain aneurysm is vasospasm or narrowing of blood vessels that may lead to ischemic stroke.
Cerebrospinal fluid leak is a surgical complication and if is treated correctly ( or not complicated with meningoencephalitis) doesn't cause memory problems or other neurological deficits.
I don't think you will recover your past memory abilities, since encephalomalatia happened, but there is need for periodic check up in order to prevent progression of your symptoms.
In my opinion, brain aneurysm surgery complications ( infection, CSF leakage, failed surgery etc) together with vasospasm that may cause neurological deficits or even death, should be explained to patients or relatives before surgery.
Vasospasm and hydrocephalus are post hemorrhage complications, not surgical complications, and is very little we can do to prevent them.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Your concerns related to aneurysm complications.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.
In my opinion, your concerns are conseguences of ruptured brain aneurysm complicated with subarachnoidal hemorrhage.
One of serious complications of ruptured brain aneurysm is vasospasm or narrowing of blood vessels that may lead to ischemic stroke.
Cerebrospinal fluid leak is a surgical complication and if is treated correctly ( or not complicated with meningoencephalitis) doesn't cause memory problems or other neurological deficits.
I don't think you will recover your past memory abilities, since encephalomalatia happened, but there is need for periodic check up in order to prevent progression of your symptoms.
In my opinion, brain aneurysm surgery complications ( infection, CSF leakage, failed surgery etc) together with vasospasm that may cause neurological deficits or even death, should be explained to patients or relatives before surgery.
Vasospasm and hydrocephalus are post hemorrhage complications, not surgical complications, and is very little we can do to prevent them.
Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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