title: Attention deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage measured using the test of variables of attention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this pilot study was to assess attention deficits in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using the test of variables of attention (TOVA). This is a computer-based continuous performance test providing objective measures of attention. We also compared the TOVA results with the attention and concentration domains of Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Montreal cognitive assessment, 2 examiner-administrated neuropsychological instruments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen patients with moderate to good recovery (Glasgow outcome scale, 4-5) were assessed using the TOVA, Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and Montreal cognitive assessment. The measurements were done when the patients visited the hospital for a routine magnetic resonance imaging control of the aneurysm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TOVA performance was pathological in 58%. The dominating pattern was a worsening of performance in the second half of the test, commonly a failing to react to correct stimuli. We found no correlation between TOVA and the performance in concentration and attention domains of Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Montreal cognitive assessment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Attention deficits, measured by the TOVA, were common after subarachnoid hemorrhage. This should be further studied to improve outcome.
authors: From the Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience (S.W., E.R.-E.) and Section of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science (J.W.), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (E.L.). svante.wallmark@gmail.com.
authors: Svante
authors: S
authors: Wallmark
authors: From the Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience (S.W., E.R.-E.) and Section of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science (J.W.), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (E.L.).
authors: Erik
authors: E
authors: Lundström
authors: From the Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience (S.W., E.R.-E.) and Section of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science (J.W.), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (E.L.).
authors: Johan
authors: J
authors: Wikström
authors: From the Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience (S.W., E.R.-E.) and Section of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science (J.W.), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (E.L.).
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Ronne-Engström
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D001288:Attention; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: aneurysm; rehabilitation; subarachnoid hemorrhage