Independent living following a 'Do Not Resuscitate' order after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
A single case report with an early post surgery 'Do Not Resuscitate' order following SAH with a significant period of impaired consciousness is outlined.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The potential for recovery following a significant period of reduced consciousness after SAH is highlighted despite initially poor prognostic indicators.
Harrison
Nicola
N
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Training Scheme, Green Park Healthcare Trust, Belfast, UK.
Wilson
F Colin
FC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State; D011184:Postoperative Period; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016414:Resuscitation Orders; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*