[Clinical aspects and long-term prognosis of spontaneous thalamus hematomas].

In 47 cases with thalamic hemorrhage the estimated volume and the extension of the hematoma was compared to clinical data. The critical blood volume above which the mortality rate markedly increased was 10 cc. The most unfavourable outcome was found in hematomas extending to the midbrain or causing extensive ventricular hemorrhage. The severity and characteristics of the neurological deficit depended on the extension of the hematoma as well. Aphasia was a common feature when the thalamic hemorrhage occurred in the dominant hemisphere. Thalamic syndrome and ocular abnormalities were rare. The mortality rate was 17% and increased to 32% within the limits of twelve months. After a mean observation period of 31 months over 60% of the survivors had no or minimal disabilities. Only 20% remained seriously handicapped. The degree of the remaining disabilities depended on the original blood-volume. Eighteen of 32 survivors were submitted to neuropsychological tests. Three patients had an amnestic syndrome.