Language function in the acute phase following non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage: A prospective cohort study

Background: Aphasia is common following stroke, with associated negative impacts on quality of life and psychosocial functioning. However, the language function of individuals who develop non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has been minimally investigated from a speech-language pathology (SLP) perspective. Aims: To examine and characterise the language function of individuals following non-traumatic SAH in the acute phase and describe the clinical profile and outcomes of individuals in this cohort with language impairment. Methods & Procedures: Prospective cohort study of adults admitted to a tertiary hospital with primary non-traumatic SAH over a 12-month period (June 2018 to June 2019). Language assessment using the Brisbane Evidence-Based Language Test (EBLT) was performed within 72 h of medical stability. Assessment scores were analysed for 43 participants. Outcomes & Results: Language impairment was present in 18.6% (n = 8/43) of the cohort, and was associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.01) and increased hospital length of stay (p = 0.01). The profile of participants with impaired language was highly variable with difficulties across auditory comprehension, verbal expression, reading comprehension, and written expression. Associated cognitive and attention difficulties also impacted test performance in this cohort. Six of the eight participants with impaired language required ongoing SLP support beyond hospital discharge. Conclusions & Implications: Early, routine assessment of language function of individuals following non-traumatic SAH is essential and should be incorporated into clinical care pathways.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine and characterize the language function of individuals following non-traumatic SAH, and found that 18.6% of them had language impairment. Language impairment was associated with increased ICU and hospital length of stay, and manifested as difficulties in auditory comprehension, verbal expression, reading comprehension, and written expression. The findings highlight the importance of early, routine assessment of language function for individuals with non-traumatic SAH.