Neurocognitive assessment before and after cranioplasty.
OBJECTIVE
This paper addresses the possible value of neurocognitive tests on the evaluation of patients before and after cranioplasty for large cranial defects.


METHODS
In a single patient with a large corrected cranial defect a detailed neurocognitive analysis was performed utilizing the EXIT interview and Cognistat before and after surgery. Planning and development of the surgical prosthesis were based on the pre-operative reconstruction of the head CT and on pre-operative pictures of the patient. Xenon-CT anatomical and quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) analysis was performed before and periodically after cranioplasty.


RESULTS
A significant improvement in major cognitive functions was observed after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognistat is a detailed neuropsychological battery that permits a better assessment of patients in diverse neurological conditions. The EXIT interview gives a better rapid assessment of cognition not provided by other methods, such as the mini-mental status examination (MMSE). The utilization of these techniques permits a better understanding of long-term outcomes for patients with diverse neurological conditions, including post-cranioplasty patients.
Agner
C
C
Department of Neurology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
Dujovny
M
M
Gaviria
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D004678:Encephalomalacia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012086:Reoperation; D020204:Skull Fracture, Depressed / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*