The cognitive status of chronic subdural hematoma patients after treatment: an exploratory study

Jurre Blaauw*, Heleen M.den Hertog, Dana C. Holl, Nikki S. Thüss, Niels A. van der Gaag, Korné Jellema, Ruben Dammers, Kuan H. Kho, Rob J.M. Groen, Hester F. Lingsma, Bram Jacobs, Joukje van der Naalt

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Objective: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition, often affecting the elderly. Cognitive impairment is frequently observed at presentation. However, the course and longer term aspects of the cognitive status of CSDH patients are unknown. In this study, we aim to explore the cognitive status of CSDH patients after treatment. Methods: An exploratory study in which CSDH patients were assessed 3 months after treatment and compared to healthy controls. A total of 56 CSDH patients (age 72.1 SD ± 10.8 years with 43 [77%] males) and 60 healthy controls were included (age 67.5 ± SD 4.8 with 34 [57%] males). Cognitive testing was performed using the Telephonic Interview of Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m), a 12-item questionnaire in which a total of 50 points can be obtained on several cognitive domains. Results: Median time between treatment and cognitive testing was 93 days (range 76–139). TICS-m scores of CSDH patients were significantly lower than healthy controls, after adjusting for age and sex: mean score 34.6 (95% CI: 33.6–35.9) vs. 39.6 (95% CI: 38.5–40.7), p value < 0.001. More than half (54%) of CSDH patients have cognitive scores at follow-up that correspond with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: A large number of CSDH patients show significantly worse cognitive status 3 months after treatment compared to healthy controls. This finding underlines the importance of increased awareness for impaired cognition after CSDH. Further research on this topic is warranted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)701-709
Number of pages9
JournalActa Neurochirurgica
Volume165
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
ZonMw/The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (project number 843002824) provided financial support in the form of funding. The sponsor had no role in the design or conduct of this research.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, The Author(s).

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