Predictive factors for functional and motor recovery following spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: Intracerebral haemorrhage significantly impacts patients' functional and motor recovery. Identifying predictive factors is crucial for enhancing post-intracerebral haemorrhage rehabilitation strategies. This study explores the predictors of functional improvement and motor recovery in intracerebral haemorrhage survivors.

Design: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital, encompassing patients diagnosed with acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage from 1 June 2019, to 30 June 2023.

Methods: Data on clinical characteristics, activity-based indicators like the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance and the ability to sit independently for 2 minutes, and haematoma location were analysed to determine their association with functional and motor recovery outcomes, assessed by the modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, and Brunnstrom stages.

Results: Among 310 patients, significant predictors for functional outcomes included hypertension, the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance, the initial ability to sit independently for 2 min, length of hospitalization, and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). For motor recovery, the initial ability to sit independently with-out physical assistance, the initial ability to sit independently for 2 min, 24-h NIHSS, and length of hospitalization were identified as strong predictors for Brunnstrom stage recovery of upper and lower limbs.

Conclusion: Predictive factors including hypertension, early NIHSS, the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance, the initial ability to sit independently for 2 min, and length of hospitalization play a crucial role in predicting functional and motor recovery after intracerebral haemorrhage.