Pages

Neuropsychological deficits after decompressive craniectomy in MCA malignant infarction

Background: The functional outcome in patients after decompressive craniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction has been widely reported. But there are no many studies about the neuropsychological deficits in these patients. Our main aim is to analyse this neuropsychological sequelae.Methods: Neuropsychological test in these patients focused on language, visuo-spatial and visuo-constructive abilities, apraxia, agnosia, attention, memory and calculus. Results: Visuo-spatial and visuo-constructive disabilities, attention and memory deficits are prominent in patients with left middle cerebral artery infarction. Language disturbances, memory deficits, apraxia and agnosia are all present in patients after right decompressive surgery in middle cerebral artery infarction. Conclusion: The neuropsychological deficits are different in patients with dominant or non dominant hemisphere infarction. It is necessary an intense and specific rehabilitation treatment protocol to keep the efficiency of the decompressive surgery for these patients.
Published in Journal of Neurology and Neuroscience Full text