Case study: Anoxic-hypotensive brain injury: neuropsychological performance at 1 month as an indicator of recovery

Abstract

Objective : This study explored cognitive sequella of anoxic-hypotensive brain injury following cardiac arrest in a 49 year old man with high premorbid function. Design : This case control study included assessments at 3 and 8 weeks post brain injury. Controls were the non-brain injured subjects whose normative data has been published for neuropsychological measures. Data and medical information were obtained with informed consent. Results : Improvement was noted at 3 weeks post-injury. By 8 weeks neuropsychological test scores including verbal and visual memory were in the normal range, although they were likely to be lower than premorbid levels. Conclusions : Relatively good cognitive function within the first month post-anoxia likely indicates improved recovery and benefit from continued rehabilitation. Despite initial presentation, steep recovery curves can be found among survivors of anoxia with eventual return to independent function including driving/child care and return to gainful employment. Rehabilitation teams are encouraged to remember that good cognitive function is not predicted by initial Glasgow Coma Scores, but may be predicted by return of recall memory during the first month post-anoxic event. Serial cognitive screens can identify individuals with the potential for better recovery.