[Results of the evaluation of cognitive functions in acute haemorrhagic stroke].

The prevalence of neurocognitive impairment subsequent to haemorrhagic stroke is notably high, thus constituting a significant predictor of survival and functionality. To date, however, there has been a paucity of studies that have described the profile of specific cognitive impairments in patients suffering from haemorrhagic strokes. The objective of the present study is twofold: firstly, to analyse in detail cognitive impairment after haemorrhagic stroke; secondly, to investigate the improvement in cognitive function and to determine its association with potential prognostic factors. The present pilot study comprised 17 haemorrhagic stroke patients who underwent a detailed cognitive assessment on day 14 and 3 months after the haemorrhage using the Montreal Cognitive Test, Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, Letter Fluency and Semantic Fluency Tests, Number Span Test and CANTAB. At baseline, 18.8% of patients exhibited minor neurocognitive impairment, while 43.8% demonstrated major neurocognitive impairment. A number of significant changes were observed between the two time points in spatial-visual abilities, executive functions, attention/concentration, short-term memory and orientation. A subsequent investigation into the laterality of the haemorrhage revealed a significant discrepancy, as determined by the t-test results. Specifically, the right hemisphere haemorrhage exhibited a reduced degree of cognitive impairment. Among the factors influencing improvement, a significant correlation was identified between residual bleeding and perifocal edema size as seen on the 3rd month CT. The findings of our subsequent study demonstrated considerable neurocognitive and domain-specific impairments subsequent to haemorrhagic stroke. It is important to note that improvement was observed in several cognitive domains three months after the event, and we were able to identify prognostic factors influencing recovery. It is hypothesised that these findings may inform the design of rehabilitation programmes. This is due to the fact that they provide clinicians with a more precise understanding of the cognitive status of patients suffering from post-haemorrhagic stroke.