PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR FUNCTIONAL AND MOTOR RECOVERY FOLLOWING SPONTANEOUS INTRACEREBRAL HAEMORRHAGE

TL;DR

This study identifies factors like blood pressure and early sitting ability that predict recovery after brain hemorrhage, helping improve rehabilitation strategies.

Contribution

The study identifies novel predictive factors for functional and motor recovery in intracerebral haemorrhage patients based on early clinical and activity-based indicators.

Findings

Hypertension, early NIHSS, and initial sitting ability predict functional recovery outcomes.

Length of hospitalization and early neurological indicators are strong predictors for motor recovery.

Activity-based indicators like sitting independently for 2 minutes are crucial for recovery prediction.

Abstract

Intracerebral haemorrhage significantly impacts patients’ functional and motor recovery. Identifying predictive factors is crucial for enhancing post-intracerebral haemorrhage rehabilitation strategies. This study explores the predictors of functional improvement and motor recovery in intracerebral haemorrhage survivors.

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital, encompassing patients diagnosed with acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage from 1 June 2019, to 30 June 2023.

Data on clinical characteristics, activity-based indicators like the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance and the ability to sit independently for 2 minutes, and haematoma location were analysed to determine their association with functional and motor recovery outcomes, assessed by the modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, and Brunnstrom stages.

Among 310 patients, significant predictors for functional outcomes included hypertension, the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance, the initial ability to sit independently for 2 min, length of hospitalization, and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). For motor recovery, the initial ability to sit independently with-out physical assistance, the initial ability to sit independently for 2 min, 24-h NIHSS, and length of hospitalization were identified as strong predictors for Brunnstrom stage recovery of upper and lower limbs.

Predictive factors including hypertension, early NIHSS, the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance, the initial ability to sit independently for 2 min, and length of hospitalization play a crucial role in predicting functional and motor recovery after intracerebral haemorrhage.

Intracerebral haemorrhage is a serious type of stroke that can cause significant disability and even death. Understanding the factors that predict recovery in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage can help doctors develop better rehabilitation plans. Our study looked at how well patients regained their ability to perform daily activities and move after intracerebral haemorrhage. We found that certain factors, such as high blood pressure, early neurological evaluations, and activity-based indicators such as the initial ability to sit independently without physical assistance and for 2 min, were important in predicting recovery. These findings highlight the value of early rehabilitation focused on sitting balance and mobility to improve outcomes for intracerebral haemorrhage patients. By identifying these factors, we aim to help healthcare professionals create personalized care strategies, giving patients and families a clearer idea of what to expect during recovery. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation efforts and improving the quality of life for intracerebral haemorrhage survivors.