Neurology Expert Opines on Brain Damage Following Pacemaker Revision Surgery

Altered mental status is a common sequelae of surgery in my NeuroICU, as are post-operative seizures. Accidental intra-arterial injection of blood products could produce neuronal irritability and thus seizures; it would be important to know if any other products or drugs were also infused or if there were other potential causes of encephalopathy or seizures such as metabolic dysfunction, anesthetics, hypotension intra-operatively, for example. I have provided expert testimony for several cases of metabolic encephalopathy due to toxins, for example, carbon monoxide, and post-traumatic seizures. In this case, it is possible that the error in placing the line was responsible for the injuries suffered by the patient.

Expert Bio

This expert is a board certified neurologist, who completed her MD at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and her fellowship in Neurocritical Care at the University of Cincinnati. She specializes in catastrophic and traumatic brain injury as well as headache and pain management. This expert has served as the Director of the Headache and Pain Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the Medical Director for the Kentucky Headache and Pain Clinic. She has been awarded one of ‘America’s Top Doctors’ for six consecutive years and has appeared on several radio and television appearances presenting on topics such as migraine headache and chronic pain syndromes. She has authored numerous publications and books and received grants for continuing research trials.