Relevance of animal models of subarachnoid hemorrhage for examining neurobehavioral changes

Abstract

Background and purpose: For many years survival and neurological functionality of patients were the main outcome measures after treatment of intracranial aneurysms. But, the variable outcomes of patients operated on in a delayed fashion or before the aneurysm rupture indicate that more precise measures are needed for assessment of not only the neurological but also the neuropsychological outcome. However, development and testing of such new tools requires better understanding of pathomechanisms of neurobehavioral changes evoked by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which can be achieved using animal models. Methods: We reviewed and selected (1) animal models developed to investigate delayed cerebral vasospasm that could be useful for examining effects of brain injury evoked by aSAH and (2) a battery of neurobehavioral animal testing that can be used for assessment of patients after aSAH. Results: For every species used as an aSAH model, a battery of neurobehavioral test exists. Conclusion: Albeit some limitations must be recognized, research using animal models of SAH should continue to play a critical role in assessment of cognitive and behavioral functions after aSAH. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Wien.