Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: outcomes of early rehabilitation after surgical repair of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

Objectives: The aim was to analyse functional and cognitive outcomes in patients receiving early rehabilitation treatment after surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Methods: The assessment protocol included all relevant clinical data, the Hunt-Hess scale, the functional independence measure (FIM), and the mini mental state examination (MMSE). Results: Of 59 patients included in the study, 52.5% (31) were men and 47.5% (28) were women. The patients9 average age was 52 years, and 57.6% were employed at the time of the aneurysm rupture. The mean duration of hospital stay was 25 days; 67.8% (40) of the patients were discharged home. At discharge, 72.7% of the patients were without any motor impairment, but 59.6% showed cognitive impairment. By the time of discharge, 43.4% (23) of the patients had attained independence in activites of daily living, 18.9% (10) needed intermittent supervision, and 37.7% (20) required constant supervision in the performance of these activities. Conclusions: The severity of cognitive impairment has predictive value for the functional status and the level of supervision required at discharge.