Cognitive assessment in Chinese patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

A subgroup of patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may have significant cognitive deficits. The aim of the current study was to determine the efficiency of cognitive tests and frequency of cognitive impairments associated with aneurysmal SAH in Chinese. A series of 116 patients with aneurysmal SAH were assessed before surgery. Only 37 patients have completed all tests. The other 79 patients had discontinued because of their clinical conditions, recurring severe headaches, refusing or misunderstanding due to low education. We found that one or more cognitive functions were impaired in 70.3% of the 37 patients, SAH patients were especially impaired in functions that are related to visual reproduction, verbal fluency, and executive functions. The results suggest that the patients have impressive cognitive deficits after aneurysmal SAH. A battery of appropriate cognitive tests should be developed for use by doctors and nurses.