Harrison Nicola, Wilson F Colin
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Training Scheme, Green Park Healthcare Trust, Belfast, UK.
Disabil Rehabil. 2007 Feb 28;29(4):347-52. doi: 10.1080/09638280600758956.
The recovery and psychosocial adjustment of a 41-year-old right handed women (K.E.) following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) with initially poor predicted prognosis is presented.
A single case report with an early post surgery 'Do Not Resuscitate' order following SAH with a significant period of impaired consciousness is outlined.
Following a right frontal craniotomy and clipping of a left distal anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysm, K.E. was unresponsive for 23 days and 'minimally conscious' for a further 5+ weeks post surgery (36 days). At two months post insult, after some neurological improvement, she was transferred for post-acute goal directed neurorehabilitation. At 8 months post insult, after 4 months inpatient and 2 months intensive outpatient neurorehabilitation, K.E. was largely independent, did not require home care services and had made a good psychosocial adjustment to her acquired difficulties.
The potential for recovery following a significant period of reduced consciousness after SAH is highlighted despite initially poor prognostic indicators.
