Svante Wallmark1, Erik Lundström2, Johan Wikström2, Elisabeth Ronne-Engström2. 1. From the Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience (S.W., E.R.-E.) and Section of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science (J.W.), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (E.L.). svante.wallmark@gmail.com. 2. From the Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience (S.W., E.R.-E.) and Section of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science (J.W.), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (E.L.).
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to assess attention deficits in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using the test of variables of attention (TOVA). This is a computer-based continuous performance test providing objective measures of attention. We also compared the TOVA results with the attention and concentration domains of Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Montreal cognitive assessment, 2 examiner-administrated neuropsychological instruments. METHODS: Nineteen patients with moderate to good recovery (Glasgow outcome scale, 4-5) were assessed using the TOVA, Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and Montreal cognitive assessment. The measurements were done when the patients visited the hospital for a routine magnetic resonance imaging control of the aneurysm. RESULTS: TOVA performance was pathological in 58%. The dominating pattern was a worsening of performance in the second half of the test, commonly a failing to react to correct stimuli. We found no correlation between TOVA and the performance in concentration and attention domains of Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Montreal cognitive assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Attention deficits, measured by the TOVA, were common after subarachnoid hemorrhage. This should be further studied to improve outcome.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to assess attention deficits in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using the test of variables of attention (TOVA). This is a computer-based continuous performance test providing objective measures of attention. We also compared the TOVA results with the attention and concentration domains of Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Montreal cognitive assessment, 2 examiner-administrated neuropsychological instruments. METHODS: Nineteen patients with moderate to good recovery (Glasgow outcome scale, 4-5) were assessed using the TOVA, Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and Montreal cognitive assessment. The measurements were done when the patients visited the hospital for a routine magnetic resonance imaging control of the aneurysm. RESULTS: TOVA performance was pathological in 58%. The dominating pattern was a worsening of performance in the second half of the test, commonly a failing to react to correct stimuli. We found no correlation between TOVA and the performance in concentration and attention domains of Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Montreal cognitive assessment. CONCLUSIONS:Attention deficits, measured by the TOVA, were common after subarachnoid hemorrhage. This should be further studied to improve outcome.
Authors: Leodante da Costa; Benjamin T Dunkley; Allison Bethune; Amanda Robertson; Matt MacDonald; Elizabeth Pang Journal: Front Neurol Date: 2016-10-17 Impact factor: 4.003
Authors: Anselme Simeon Sanou; Abdoulaye Hama Diallo; Penny Holding; Victoria Nankabirwa; Ingunn Marie S Engebretsen; Grace Ndeezi; James K Tumwine; Nicolas Meda; Thorkild Tylleskar; Esperance Kashala-Abotnes Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-09-05 Impact factor: 3.240