Life situation 5 years after subarachnoid haemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high mortality and significant long-term morbidity, affecting survivors' quality of life, mental health, and cognitive functions.
• SAH predominantly impacts younger individuals, leading to persistent disabilities that influence their daily lives and societal integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term life situation of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors five years post-injury.
• To investigate physical and emotional status, societal participation, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in SAH survivors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing a mail survey distributed to non-traumatic SAH survivors treated in Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Validated instruments including EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Occupational Gaps Questionnaire, and Impact of Participation and Autonomy (IPA) were employed.

Main Results:

• Out of 42 surveyed survivors (62% response rate), participants reported generally low HRQoL and experienced deficits in emotional well-being, fatigue, memory, and executive functions.
• While physical condition issues were infrequent, most survivors reported acceptable societal participation (64% independent in daily life).
• Hidden disabilities, such as cognitive and emotional impairments, were more prevalent than physical limitations.

Conclusions:

• Five-year follow-up reveals that SAH survivors experience more 'hidden' cognitive and emotional disabilities than physical impairments, though societal participation remains largely unaffected.
• The findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to improve cognitive and mental health in SAH survivors.
• Annual follow-up care post-SAH is recommended to monitor and manage these long-term neurological and psychological sequelae.