Age as a prognostic factor after intracranial aneurysm rupture.

1,076 patients with ruptured aneurysms admitted to neurosurgical units in Denmark over a period of 5 years were followed up for 2 years. The outcome as regards survival and normality of mental state was assessed in relation to age, clinical grade, and whether or not surgery was performed. For all ages and grades operated patients did better than those not operated on. Age seemed to have no bearing on outcome except for operated on good condition patients (grades 1-3) under the age of 40 years, who were significantly more likely to have a normal mental outcome than other groups.