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But he was awake

Illustrated Story C14, with a text transcript.

Read story C14: But he was awake (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story: But he was awake. A granddaughter learns that delirium can occur after spinal anaesthesia.

Delirium after spinal or regional anaesthesia: it can still happen

Hassan had surgery with a spinal anaesthetic rather than a general anaesthetic. When he becomes confused, his granddaughter is surprised. Delirium can occur after either approach. The team evaluates the new change and considers pain, illness, medicines and other contributors. This story does not recommend one anaesthetic technique over another.

Example case. Names and dialogue are illustrative. Individual experiences and recovery vary.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Hassan has hip surgery with a spinal anaesthetic.

  2. Panel 2. The following day.

    • Hassan: Why are we on this train?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Salma: But he didn’t have a general anaesthetic. Can this still be delirium?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: Yes. We need to check this change.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Anaesthetist: Delirium can happen after either kind. Several things may contribute.

  6. Panel 6. Treatment, comfort and repeated review continue.

Bottom band. Avoiding a general anaesthetic does not remove the possibility of postoperative delirium.

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