ABSTRACT
With advances in technology and medicine, survival from surgery for cerebral aneurysms has increased significantly over the past three decades. With increased survival come questions about quality of life. Over the last 20 years, questions regarding the quality of life of these individuals have been at the forefront of research with patients surviving aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA). Through retrospective reviews1 as well as prospective studies of cognitive/behavioral status and abilities post-surgery,2,3 neuroscientists have been able to identify frequently observed cognitive sequelae of ACoA aneurysms. It is now well known that aneurysms at the ACoA frequently lead to neurobehavioral impairments.4,5 Outcome studies have demonstrated that cognitive and behavioral impairments may range from no impairment to subtle cognitive and emotional problems to profound amnesia, confabulation, or abulic states.6-8
In addition to the recognition of the wide range of cognitive problems following ACoA aneurysm, recent progress in ACoA research has begun to refine the identification of the neuropathological underpinnings of the major behavioral problems associated with these aneurysms.7,9 Research on the course of recovery and effectiveness of rehabilitation in regaining function, however, has lagged behind.
