Mental fatigue assessment may add information after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Mental fatigue, as part of cognitive dysfunction, has been reported to be common after subarachnoid hemorrhage and it significantly affects quality of life. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess mental fatigue one year after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to correlate the degree of mental fatigue to functional outcome assessed with the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE). METHODS: One year after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, the GOSE was assessed and a questionnaire for self-assessment of mental fatigue, the Mental Fatigue Scale, was distributed to all included patients. The maximum score is 42 and a score of ≥10.5 indicates mental fatigue. RESULTS: All patients with GOSE 8, indicating full recovery, had a mental fatigue score of <10.5. A linear correlation between the GOSE and the mental fatigue score was observed (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a favorable outcome and GOSE 5-7 could benefit from the assessments of mental fatigue in order to receive satisfactory rehabilitation.