Pathophysiology of transient neurological deficit in patients with chronic subdural hematoma:A systematic review

Patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can have transient neurological deficits deficit (TND) mimicking transient ischemic attacks. The prevalence of TNDs in CSDH varies between 1%–24%, depending on TND definition. Despite this high prevalence the pathophysiology of TND in CSDH is not clear in many cases. In this systematic review, we aim to unravel the responsible mechanism. Pubmed and Embase were searched for all articles concerning the pathophysiology of TND as a presenting symptom in patients with CSDH. There were no publication date restrictions for the articles in the search. Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion and subsequently extracted the necessary data. Out of 316 identified references, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Several articles mentioned multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. One of the proposed etiologies of TND was epileptic activity, stated by three articles. In contrast, three different studies stated that seizures are unlikely to cause TND. Five papers suggested that obstruction of blood flow, caused by the hematoma or subsequent swelling, might be the cause. Six articles made no definite statement on the responsible pathophysiological mechanism of TND. Different mechanisms have been proposed to be the cause of TNDs in patients with CSDH. Based on this review, the exact pathophysiology of TND remains unclear. We suggest that future studies on this topic should incorporate MRI of the brain (with diffusion-weighted imaging) and EEG, to provide better insight into TND pathophysiology. The knowledge resulting from future studies might contribute to better understanding of TND and optimal treatment in CSDH

Neurosurgical and Perioperative Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Objective:Surgery and specifically burr hole craniostomy is the most common first choice treatment of patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH). However, several aspects of neurosurgical and peri-operative management are still a subject of research, such as how to treat bilateral CSDH and the anesthetic approach. We aim to investigate the effect of the surgical approach to bilateral CSDH and the effect of anesthesia modality on outcome of CSDH patients. Methods:We retrospectively included surgically treated CSDH patients between 2005 and 2019 in three hospitals in the Netherlands. The effect of the surgical approach to bilateral CSDH (unilateral vs. bilateral decompression) and anesthesia modality (general vs. local anesthesia) on outcome (complications, recurrence, and length of hospital stay over 4 days) was studied with logistic regression adjusting for potentially confounding radiological and clinical characteristics. Results:Data of 1,029 consecutive patients were analyzed, mean age was 73.5 years (+/- 11) and 75% of patients were male. Bilateral CSDH is independently associated with an increased risk of recurrence within 3 months in logistic regression analysis (aOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.5) but recurrence rate did not differ between primary bilateral or unilateral decompression of bilateral CSDH. (15 vs. 17%,p= 0.775). Logistic regression analysis showed that general anesthesia was independently associated with an increased risk of complications (aOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0-3.3) and with a length of hospital admission of over 4 days (aOR 8.4, 95% CI: 5.6-12.4). Conclusions:Bilateral CSDH is independently associated with higher recurrence rates. As recurrence rates in bilateral CSDH are similar for different surgical approaches, the optimal choice for primary bilateral decompression of bilateral CSDH could vary per patient. General anesthesia for surgical treatment of CSDH is associated with higher complication rates and longer hospital admission

Presenting symptoms and functional outcome of chronic subdural hematoma patients

Background: Patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can present with a variety of signs and symptoms. The relationship of these signs and symptoms with functional outcome is unknown. Knowledge of these associations might aid clinicians in the choice to initiate treatment and may allow them to better inform patients on expected outcomes. Objective: To investigate if presenting signs and symptoms influence functional outcome in patients with CSDH. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive CSDH patients in three hospitals. Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) scores were obtained from the first follow-up visit after treatment. An ordinal multivariable regression analysis was performed, to assess the relationship between the different signs and symptoms on the one hand and functional outcome on the other adjusted for potential confounders. Results: We included 1,307 patients, of whom 958 (73%) were male and mean age was 74 (SD ± 11) years. Cognitive complaints were associated with lower GOS-E scores at follow-up (aOR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5 – 0.8) Headache and higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were associated with higher GOS-E scores. (aOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5–2.3 and aOR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2–1.4). Conclusion: Cognitive complaints are independently associated with worse functional outcome, whereas headache and higher GCS scores are associated with better outcome. The increased probability of unfavorable outcome in patients with CSDH who present with cognitive complaints favors a more prominent place of assessing cognitive status at diagnosis

Transient neurological deficit in patients with chronic subdural hematoma:a retrospective cohort analysis

RATIONALE: Symptoms of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) vary widely, including transient neurological deficit(s) (TND). The precise prevalence and the clinical aspects of TND are yet to be determined. Most TNDs are regarded and treated as symptomatic seizures, but the rationale for this decision is not always clear. METHODS: Patients with temporary symptoms were selected from a retrospective cohort of CSDH patients. We analyzed the association of TND characteristics with patients being classified as having a symptomatic seizure and with functional outcome using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the included 1307 CSDH patients, 113 (8.6%) had at least one episode of TND. Most common TNDs were aphasia/dysphasia, impaired awareness or clonic movements. Of these 113 patients, 50 (44%) were diagnosed with symptomatic seizure(s) by their treating physician. Impaired awareness, clonic movements and the presence of 'positive symptoms' showed the strongest association with the diagnosis symptomatic seizure (OR 36, 95% CI 7.8-163; OR 24, 95% CI 6.4-85; and OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-7.2). Aphasia/dysphasia lowered the chance of TND being classified as symptomatic seizure together with a longer TND duration (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.6; and OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99). Treatment with anti-epileptic drugs was related to unfavorable functional outcome (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.4-20.7). CONCLUSION: TND was not a rare phenomenon in our cohort of CSDH patients. A TND episode of 5 min, aphasia/dysphasia and/or absence of 'positive' symptoms are suggestive of a different TND pathophysiology than symptomatic seizures. Our results further suggest that treatment of TND in CSDH deserves careful consideration as management choices might influence patient outcome

Prevalence of cognitive complaints and impairment in patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma and recovery after treatment:a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH) is a frequently occurring neurological disease associated with older age and use of anticoagulants. Symptoms vary from headaches to coma, but also cognitive deficits can be present. However, exact prevalence and severity of cognitive deficits in CSDH are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review, we aim to assess cognitive status of patients with CSDH, at presentation and after treatment. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase and Psyqinfo, were searched for articles concerning cognition in CSDH. We divided cognition changes into subjective cognitive deficit (Cognitive Complaints: CC) and objective cognitive deficit (Cognitive Impairment: CI). Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion and subsequently extracted data. Quality assessment was done by means of the Newcastle-Ottowa Scale. Reported prevalence of CC and CI was pooled with random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Out of 768 identified references, 20 met inclusion criteria. Estimated prevalence of CC and CI in CSDH at presentation was 45% (95% CI: 36% to 54%). Four studies concerned a prospective evaluation of the effect of surgical treatment on cognition. These proved to be of fair to good quality after quality assessment. The estimated pre-treatment prevalence of objectified cognitive impairment was 61% (95% CI: 51% to 70%) decreasing to 18% (95% CI: 8% to 32%) post-surgery Conclusion: From this review it can be concluded that CC and CI are very common in CSDH with a tendency to improve after treatment. Therefore, we underline the importance of increased attention to cognitive status of these patients, with proper testing methods and treatment-testing intervals

An early rise in body temperature is related to unfavorable outcome after stroke: Data from the PAIS study

Subfebrile temperature or fever is present in about a third of patients on the first day after stroke onset and is associated with poor outcome. However, the temporal profile of this association is not well established. We aimed to assess the relationship between body temperature on admission as well as the change in body temperature from admission to 24 h thereafter and functional outcome and death. We analyzed data of 1,332 patients admitted within 12 h of stroke onset. The relation between body temperature on admission or the change in body temperature from admission to 24 h thereafter (adjusted for body temperature on admission) on the one hand and unfavorable outcome (death, or a modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 3 months on the other were expressed as odds ratio per 1.0°C increase in body temperature. Adjustments for potential confounders were made with a multiple logistic regression model. No relation was found between admission body temperature and poor outcome (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 0.85-1.32) and death (aOR 1.23; 95% CI 0.95-1.60). In contrast, increased body temperature in the first 24 h after stroke onset was associated with poor outcome (aOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.05-1.63) and death (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.15-1.98). An early rise in body temperature rather than high body temperature on admission is a risk factor for unfavorable outcome in patients with acute stroke

National survey on the current practice and attitudes toward the management of chronic subdural hematoma

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a frequent pathological entity in daily clinical practice. However, evidence‐based CSDH‐guidelines are lacking and level I evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is limited. In order to establish and subsequently implement a guideline, insight into current clinical practice and attitudes toward CSDH‐treatment is required. The aim is to explore current practice and attitudes toward CSDH‐management in the Netherlands. METHODS: A national online survey was distributed among Dutch neurologists and neurosurgeons, examining variation in current CSDH‐management through questions on treatment options, (peri)operative management, willingness to adopt new treatments and by presenting four CSDH‐cases. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen full responses were received (8% of neurologists, N = 66 and 35% of neurosurgeons, N = 53). A majority of the respondents had a positive experience with burr‐hole craniostomy (93%) and with a conservative policy (56%). Around a third had a positive experience with the use of dexamethasone as primary (30%) and additional (33.6%) treatment. These numbers were also reflected in the treatment preferences in the presented cases. (Peri)operative management corresponded among responding neurosurgeons. Most respondents would be willing to implement dexamethasone (98%) if equally effective as surgery and tranexamic acid (93%) if effective in CSDH‐management. CONCLUSION: Variation was found regarding preferential CSDH‐treatment. However, this is considered not to be insurmountable when implementing evidence‐based treatments. This baseline inventory on current clinical practice and current attitudes toward CSDH‐treatment is a stepping‐stone in the eventual development and implementation of a national guideline