Why Does My Husband Have Confusion After Surgery?

A brief recovery period is standard for nearly every surgical procedure, but confusion is not normal. This can throw the patient's friends and family members into a frenzy, as they recognize that something has gone dreadfully wrong but are not sure exactly what.

If a loved one has recently undergone surgery and emerged in a confused haze, the culprit could be hypoxia or anoxia.

Causes Of Hypoxia And Anoxia

Hypoxia and anoxia can be caused by medical errors, but there are a variety of other circumstances that may explain the occurrence of these potentially deadly conditions. In general, hypoxia and anoxia occur when the body is unable to efficiently deliver oxygen to its cells. This problem is exacerbated by anemia, in which the body does not have enough red blood cells (which are responsible for carrying oxygen).

When Hypoxia And Anoxia Are Caused By Malpractice

Although several conditions could very well have contributed to your loved one's confusion, medical malpractice may also have played a role. In medical situations this is sometimes caused by drug errors, with far too many patients administered abnormally high doses of medications that slow oxygen transport. It can also happen to the mother in the delivery room, where delayed C-sections can contribute not only to an immediate lack of oxygen, but cerebral palsy and a variety of other lasting problems. Other hypoxia causes related to medical error include compression of the trachea, anesthesia complications, failure to treat hypotension, and insufficient perfusion during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Determining whether hypoxia and anoxia resulted from medical malpractice can be tricky, as numerous factors come into play. At this point, you are likely desperate for answers, which may be found through an extensive investigatory effort. During this time, attorneys and medical experts with an in-depth understanding can help determine whether the confusion resulted from negligence or other factors.

If your loved one experiences confusion in the aftermath of a medical procedure, it is of utmost importance that you get in touch with a doctor or call 911 as soon as possible. Once this person is out of immediate danger, consider speaking with one of our law firm's medical experts. A medical malpractice lawsuit may help you find the answers and sense of closure you need during this difficult time. Additionally, it may be possible to cover medical bills and other expenses that arise due to negligence. There is no way to completely reverse the suffering caused by hypoxia-related malpractice, but the right attorney can at least ease some of the burden you are currently experiencing.