Health outcomes 1 year after subarachnoid hemorrhage

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Abstract
There is limited information about the long-term consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Data were obtained from a population-based study of aneurysmal SAH conducted in Australia and New Zealand between 1995 and 1998. The authors report health outcomes for survivors 1 year after the onset of SAH. From a total of 432 first-ever cases of SAH (76% due to confirmed cerebral aneurysm rupture) registered in four cities in Australia and New Zealand, 242 (56%) were alive approximately 1 year later (mean time 1.2 years), with 230 (95%) available for interview. Of those interviewed, 105 (46%) reported an incomplete recovery, with ongoing problems with memory (50%), mood (39%), speech (14%), and self-care (10%). Compared with age- and sex-adjusted Australian population norms, health-related quality of life, as determined by Short Form-36, was significantly lower for cases in the domains of role limitations that result from physical problems. However, there were no patient or disease characteristics that predicted complete recovery from SAH. A high proportion of long-term survivors of SAH experience ongoing deficits in high level (neuropsychological) functioning. These deficits result in impairment in social roles.