Split-brain phenomena in anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture: A case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Anterior communicating artery aneurysms (ACoAA) can cause significant neurological deficits following rupture.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) associated with ACoAAs often leads to vasospasm and cognitive impairment.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms consistent with anterior cerebral artery (ACA) spasm post-ACoAA rupture and SAH.
• Neuropsychological evaluation revealed severe anterograde amnesia (Korsakoff's type) and dysexecutive syndrome.
• The patient exhibited complex neurological signs including alien hand syndrome, dyscopia-dysgraphia, left ear neglect, and split-brain phenomena.

Findings:

• The patient's condition demonstrated a classical anterior cerebral artery (ACA) spasm picture.
• Impaired hemispheric interaction was a prominent feature, manifesting as various complex neurological deficits.
• A. R. Luria evaluated the patient, highlighting the intricate nature of the observed cognitive and behavioral symptoms.

Implications:

• This case underscores the diverse and severe neurological consequences of ACoAAs, particularly ACA spasm.
• The observed split-brain phenomena offer insights into hemispheric interaction and functional brain organization.
• Understanding these complex deficits is crucial for developing targeted rehabilitation strategies and improving patient outcomes.