Background: There is limited information about the long-term consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Methods: Data were obtained from a population-based study of aneurysmal SAH conducted in Australia and New Zealand between 1995 and 1998. The authors report health outcomes for survivors 1 year after the onset of SAH.
Results: From a total of 432 first-ever cases of SAH (76% due to confirmed cerebral aneurysm rupture) registered in four cities in Australia and New Zealand, 242 (56%) were alive approximately 1 year later (mean time 1.2 years), with 230 (95%) available for interview. Of those interviewed, 105 (46%) reported an incomplete recovery, with ongoing problems with memory (50%), mood (39%), speech (14%), and self-care (10%). Compared with age- and sex-adjusted Australian population norms, health-related quality of life, as determined by Short Form-36, was significantly lower for cases in the domains of role limitations that result from physical problems. However, there were no patient or disease characteristics that predicted complete recovery from SAH.
Conclusions: A high proportion of long-term survivors of SAH experience ongoing deficits in high level (neuropsychological) functioning. These deficits result in impairment in social roles.