Cognitive, Mental Health, Functional, and Quality of Life Outcomes 1 Year After Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Study

Patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) frequently encounter cognitive dysfunction and mental health issues with negative effects on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Here, we aimed to describe the prevalence of cognitive deficits, mental health problems, and HR-QoL impairments 1 year after SAH. In this prospective observational study, 177 patients with SAH admitted to our neurointensive care unit over a time span of ten years followed the invitation for an in-person 1-year follow-up, including a standardized neuropsychological test battery. Mental health issues (anxiety and depression) and HR-QoL were evaluated using questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; 36-item Short Form questionnaire). Functional outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Patients were 54 years of age (interquartile range 47–62 years) and presented with a median Hunt and Hess score of 2 (interquartile range 1–3) at admission. Most patients (93