Our Summary

This research study explores the effects of surgery and anesthesia on the brain’s energy production centers, called mitochondria, specifically in older mice. After surgery, these mice showed an imbalance in the processes responsible for maintaining and regulating these energy centers. This imbalance led to increased stress on the cells, decreased energy production, and changes in proteins related to brain cell function and communication. The study also found that these effects were linked to confusion and disorientation (similar to delirium) in the mice after surgery. These findings suggest that disturbances in the brain’s energy production centers might be a key factor behind the delirium that can occur after surgery in older individuals.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of this research study on brain surgery?
  2. How does surgery and anesthesia affect the brain’s energy production centers in older mice?
  3. Can the disturbances in the brain’s energy production centers after surgery potentially lead to delirium in older individuals?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following any restrictions on activity or diet. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest can support overall brain health and aid in recovery from surgery. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to address any potential complications promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for brain surgery include those with:

  1. Brain tumors: Surgery is often recommended to remove or reduce the size of brain tumors that are causing symptoms or are determined to be cancerous.

  2. Epilepsy: Surgery may be recommended for patients with epilepsy that is not well controlled with medication or other treatments.

  3. Aneurysms: Surgery may be necessary to repair an aneurysm (a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that can burst and cause a stroke).

  4. Traumatic brain injury: Surgery may be needed to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain after a traumatic brain injury.

  5. Hydrocephalus: Surgery may be recommended to place a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain in patients with hydrocephalus.

  6. Parkinson’s disease: Deep brain stimulation surgery may be recommended for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are not responding well to medication.

  7. Brain malformations: Surgery may be recommended to correct structural abnormalities in the brain that are causing symptoms or complications.

  8. Trigeminal neuralgia: Surgery may be recommended to relieve severe facial pain caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve.

  9. Chronic subdural hematoma: Surgery may be necessary to remove a collection of blood (hematoma) that has formed between the brain and the outer layer of the brain (dura) due to trauma or other causes.

It is important to consult with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to determine if brain surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for a specific condition.

Timeline

Before brain surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of pre-operative tests and consultations with their medical team to ensure they are prepared for the procedure. This may include imaging scans, blood tests, and other assessments to evaluate the brain’s condition and overall health.

During the surgery, the patient is placed under anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and do not feel any pain during the procedure. The surgical team then carefully removes or treats the affected area of the brain, depending on the reason for the surgery.

After brain surgery, the patient is closely monitored in the recovery room to ensure they are stable and recovering well from the procedure. They may experience side effects such as pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement or speech, which can be managed with medication and physical therapy.

In the days and weeks following brain surgery, the patient will continue to recover and may require ongoing rehabilitation and follow-up appointments with their medical team. It is important for the patient to closely follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of brain surgery do I need and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. How will the surgery affect my brain’s energy production centers and mitochondria?
  5. What steps will be taken to minimize the risk of post-surgical complications, such as delirium?
  6. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies to support my brain’s energy production and function post-surgery?
  8. How will the surgery impact my overall cognitive function and mental health?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  10. What long-term effects, if any, should I expect on my brain’s energy production and function after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lu Y, Chen L, Ye J, Chen C, Zhou Y, Li K, Zhang Z, Peng M. Journal: Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jan 12;12(1):844-865. doi: 10.18632/aging.102659. Epub 2020 Jan 12. PMID: 31929114