Neurological sequelae after cerebral anoxia

Primary objective: Cardiac arrest can cause neurological impairment. The aim of this study is to confirm the disability and the predominant part of executive and behavioural impairments after cardiac arrest. Research design: A retrospective study is proposed. Methods and procedures: All consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation for Neurological Impairments following cerebral anoxia after cardiac arrest between 1995-2007 were included. Clinical and neuropsychological assessment was proposed. Main outcomes and results: Thirty patients, 19 men, were examined. Ages ranged from 16-58 (mean = 39.5). Fourteen patients presented with severe disability and 16 patients presented with moderate disability. In the first group (severe disability) no patients were autonomous for daily life activities. They presented with dysexecutive syndrome and behavioural disorders associated with amnesia syndrome; 64% of them presented with motor disorders. In the second group, patients with moderate disability were autonomous in daily life but not for the complex activities or functioning. They had no motor impairment but suffered from executive and memory impairments. Behavioural changes were noted. Medical history or demographic data did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: The study confirms the predominant part of executive, memory and behavioural impairments after cardiac arrest. This retrospective study cannot provide prognosis factors and further prognosis studies are needed.