Cognitive function before and after surgery in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm

Abstract

Background and purpose: This prospective study investigated whether surgery for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) affects cognitive function and cerebral blood flow (CBF).

Methods: Cognitive tests using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Wechsler Memory Scale, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, and CBF measurements using single-photon emission computed tomography were performed before and after surgery for UIAs in 44 patients < or =70 years of age.

Results: Group-rate analysis showed the verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), performance IQ, full-scale IQ, and recall trial scores of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test all increased significantly after surgery, whereas the Wechsler Memory Scale and copy trial scores of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test were not significantly different. Event-rate analysis demonstrated that no patient showed impaired cognition. There was no significant difference between CBF before and after surgery.

Conclusions: Surgical repair for UIAs does not impair cognition or CBF in patients without postoperative restrictions in lifestyle.