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Functional outcomes following blunt cerebrovascular injury

Jennifer M DiCocco1, Timothy C Fabian, Katrina P Emmett

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.

The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
|March 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Long-term outcomes for blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) are near-normal when stroke is prevented. Early diagnosis and treatment of BCVI are crucial for optimal functional recovery in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on long-term functional outcomes after blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI).
  • This study addresses the need for understanding functional recovery following BCVI diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate long-term functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 222 patients with BCVI was identified over 53 months.
  • Functional outcomes were assessed using a 30-question functional independence measurement-functional activity measurement questionnaire via telephone interview.
  • Outcomes were compared based on BCVI type, associated injuries, and stroke development.

Main Results:

  • Mean follow-up was 35 months for the 68 patients who completed the interview.
  • Overall functional scores were high (mean 186/210), with similar scores for carotid (185) and vertebral artery injuries (188).
  • Patients who experienced a stroke had significantly worse functional outcomes (173) compared to those without stroke (189).

Conclusions:

  • Carotid and vertebral artery injuries demonstrate comparable long-term functional outcomes.
  • Stroke development significantly impairs functional outcomes in BCVI patients.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy are vital for achieving near-normal functional outcomes in BCVI patients.
Abstract

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