Referral To Neurosurgeon

[Barmaid]

Any ideas why someone might be referred to a neuro-surgeon? Naturally the question will be asked on Doctor's rounds later but now am winding myself up.

Situation is:- 91 y/o patient with vascular dementia (moderate and transient); normally fully mobile; prostate cancer but PSA levels lower than usual at last screening (3 weeks previous). Had an episode on Monday whilst shopping. Collapsed, eyes open but fixed and dilated; mouth looked "odd"; companion reports unable to detect breathing and completely unresponsive for several minutes (she actually thought he had died). Consciousness regained and taken to A&E where admitted. Tested for aneurism, pulmonary embolism, UTI. No results ostensibly as yet. This is the third or fourth such episode, but this is by far the most serious.

Any ideas why the neuro-surgeon?

[EDDIE51]

It looks like a series of strokes , the cause is probably a lesion in the brain.
That is why the neurosurgeon is being consulted. I would think actual surgery is improbable but they want an opinion.

[Sqad]

I have no idea why a Neurosurgeon would be of any help to a 91 year old with vascular dementia with syncopal attacks.

A neurologist...yes. But Neurosurgeon..........no idea.

[Barmaid]

What's the difference Sqad? I got this from my mother - it would be rare thing if she has got the details wrong (not unheard of, I accept) but she is pretty sharp.

Apparently have to wait to hear from Addenbrookes. No idea why.

(Meanwhile patient is complaining at lack of female nurses).......

[Old_Geezer]

Really ! I don't blame him then. He's supposed to be happy to heal quickest and being denied pretty nurses. Shameful carry on.

[Barmaid]

I know Old Geezer. Apparently, he tidied up the ward yesterday. Although then likened his stay to being incarcerated in prison.

[Sqad]

\\\What's the difference Sqad?\\\
One is a Surgeon and the other a Physician.
I can just imagine the excitement and the enthusiasm of a Neurosurgeon being asked to see a 91 year old.........;-)

[Barmaid]

lol, yes well he or she hasnt met my grandfather..... ;)

(I hope for her sake she is pretty and a redhead).

[NoMercy]

I agree with Sqad, much more likely to be a Neurologist.

Unless...he has bony metastases on his spine or brain secondary to his prostate Ca...but you say his PSA isn't rising....