Cognitive outcomes of patients with traumatic bifrontal contusions

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of cognitive dysfunction in patients with traumatic bifrontal contusions and their association with functional outcome. Materials and methods: We prospectively recruited patients with bifrontal contusions in a regional neurosurgical center in Hong Kong over a 2-year period. Functional outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and cognitive outcomes were assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Results: We recruited 34 patients with traumatic bifrontal contusions over a 2-year period. Nine (26%) patients had craniotomy for evacuation of left or right frontal contusions. Functional outcome using mRS was significantly correlated with cognitive outcomes using MMSE or MoCA. The effect of cognitive outcome using MMSE or MoCA persisted after adjustments of age, sex, admission Glasgow Coma Scale, and surgery. In patients who completed the comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, cognitive impairment in at least one of the neuropsychological tests was noted in 73% of them. Conclusions: Cognitive dysfunction had a significant impact on functional outcome, and treatment strategy should be developed to minimize them.