Post-laminectomy hallucinations

[Steve49]

My father (80) had a laminectomy 12/23/03 on C4,C5,C6 for compression of the spinal cord due to arthritis. He was nearly quadriplegic. He has had some therapy at the hospital and two nursing homes, but none was extensive. He had hallucinations shortly after beginning therapy at one nursing home, but we attributed it to xanax withdrawal. He has been at home for two weeks, with no further episodes, until he began an intensive therapy program four days ago, and is showing physical improvement. Are episodes of hallucinations to be expected with recovery from this surgery?  He is not on any medication.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

The typical recovery from surgery should not include hallucinations. However, in elderly patients who may be sleeping less, and in unfamilar places, hallucinations may occur. Other things to exclude include medication side effects (narcotics especially), and infections (most commonly a urinary infection). You should discuss this with your father's surgeon, and primary care doctor. Good luck.

[ontherecord]

How high was the dose of xanax he was on, and did he discontinue abruptly?