Cognition after Malignant Media Infarction and Decompressive Hemicraniectomy
Author Information
Author(s): Schmidt Holger, Heinemann Trutz, Elster Judith, Djukic Marija, Harscher Stefan, Neubieser Katja, Prange Hilmar, Kastrup Andreas, Rohde Veit
Primary Institution: University of Göttingen
Hypothesis
What are the neuropsychological deficits and quality of life in patients after decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarctions?
Conclusion
Patients with non-speech dominant hemispheric infarctions and decompressive hemicraniectomy are at high risk of depression and severe cognitive impairment.
Supporting Evidence
- 18 out of 20 patients were found to be cognitively impaired to a degree that fulfilled the formal DSM IV criteria for dementia.
- Patients reported significantly lower quality of life compared to healthy controls.
- 13 out of 20 patients were diagnosed with post-stroke depression.
Takeaway
This study found that many patients who had surgery for a serious brain injury had trouble thinking and felt very sad afterward.
Methodology
20 patients who underwent hemicraniectomy were examined using neurological and neuropsychological assessments, compared to a control group of 20 healthy individuals.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the subjective nature of self-reported questionnaires and the involvement of the interviewer in the patients' treatment.
Limitations
The study did not include patients with speech-dominant hemispheric strokes, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients had a mean age of 52 years, with a mix of genders and educational backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0014
Confidence Interval
[1.6 - -0.5]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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