Timing of operation for ruptured cerebral aneurysm and long-term recovery of cognitive functions

Advantage and disadvantages of early and late operation for ruptured cerebral aneurysm are controversially evaluated with regard to peri-operative operation outcome and long-term cognitive recovery. In this retrospective analysis 22 patients with early surgery (ES) within three days after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and 22 patients with late surgery (LS) at least 14 days after SAH were studied. Patients were pair-wise matched by degree of SAH localisation of aneurysm and age at SAH. On average three years after SAH both groups were examined individually with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery including tests of premorbid intelligence, concept formation, memory, visuomotor speed, aphasia screening, and mood. ES and LS patients were well comparable in terms of years of education and level of premorbid intelligence. There was a clear influence of patients age on fluid intelligence tests, indicating a general change-sensitivity of tests. No influence of degree of SAH and localisation of aneurysm could be detected. There were also no differences between ES and LS patients in neuropsychological tests sensitive to brain damage, suggesting that the decision for early or late surgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysm can be based upon surgical reasons at the time of the SAH.