Evaluating memory dysfunction after spinal anesthesia among patients undergoing elective surgery:...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Postoperative cognitive impairment is a known side effect of anesthesia.
• General anesthesia is commonly linked to cognitive deficits after surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Marcaine (bupivacaine hydrochloride) on memory impairment in patients undergoing elective surgery.
• To assess the effects of spinal anesthesia on cognitive functions, specifically memory.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive-analytical study included 105 patients undergoing elective lower extremity or lower abdomen surgery under spinal anesthesia.
• Memory was assessed using the Wechsler questionnaire 24 hours post-surgery.
• Demographic data, vital signs, and surgical details were recorded and analyzed using SPSSv18.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in logical memory and overall memory scores (P < 0.001).
• Rational memory correlated with systolic blood pressure (P = 0.030).
• Associative learning was linked to systolic blood pressure (P = 0.046) and surgery type (P = 0.013), while overall memory related to age (P = 0.041).

Conclusions:

• Spinal anesthesia significantly affects specific aspects of memory.
• Further research is recommended to confirm and expand upon these findings regarding anesthesia and memory.