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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:14
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Sensory sensitivity after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Eva A Van Breugel1, Joris A de Graaf1, Celine Didderen1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Sensory hypersensitivity is common after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), affecting 76% of patients. This increased sensitivity is linked to depression but not anxiety or cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Sensory hypersensitivity is a frequent but poorly understood complaint following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
- Its impact on quality of life and relationship with cognitive and psychological factors remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and degree of sensory sensitivity eight weeks post-SAH.
- To explore associations between sensory sensitivity and cognitive functions (processing speed, working memory) and psychological factors (anxiety, depression) in SAH patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study comparing SAH patients (n=62) and healthy controls (n=119).
- Utilized the Multi-Modal Evaluation of Sensory Sensitivity (MESSY) questionnaire.
- SAH patients also completed neuropsychological tests and anxiety/depression scales.
Main Results:
- 76% of SAH patients reported increased sensory sensitivity.
- SAH patients exhibited significantly higher sensory sensitivity than controls (p=0.006).
- Increased sensory sensitivity correlated with depressive symptoms (R²=0.27), but not anxiety, processing speed, or working memory.
Conclusions:
- Increases in sensory sensitivity are highly prevalent after SAH.
- Sensory hypersensitivity post-SAH is associated with depression, highlighting a need for systematic assessment and intervention.
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