Summary.
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.
Findings: A significant improvement in major cognitive functions was observed after surgery.
Interpretation: 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.
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Published online October 10, 2002
Correspondence: Celso Agner, MSc, M.D., Albany Medical College, Department of Neurology, 47 New Scotland Avenue (M/C 70), Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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Agner, C., Dujovny, M. & Gaviria, M. Neurocognitive Assessment Before and after Cranioplasty. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 144, 1033–1040 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-002-0996-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-002-0996-4