Cognitive and mental health difficulties following subarachnoid haemorrhage

Abstract

Subarachnoid haemorrhage frequently results in disabling psychological trauma, mental health difficulties and cognitive impairments that can persist beyond the first year of discharge. At Salford Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust a long-term follow up programme using both neuropsychology and specialist nurses identifies patients in need of neuropsychological intervention for ongoing problems that prevent a return to work and normal life. The result of an audit of patients seen during 2008 reveals that one in three patients requires referral. Of the patients referred who completed both the initial and final outcome measures, clinically and statistically significant improvements can be seen. The results indicate the effectiveness of joint neuropsychology and specialist nurse follow up for subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.

Keywords:

• Subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Psychological trauma
• Cognitive