Neurological and psychological status in acute stage of ischemic stroke

Aim. Assess the changes of neurological and psychological status in patients with acute stage of the first ischemic stroke.

Methods. The study included 25 patients with ischemic stroke, the average age was 65.72±12.49 years. Neuropsychological examination was performed using a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA), Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Lazarus Ways of Coping Questionnaire. All studies were performed twice on day 1-3 and on day 19-21 after the stroke.

Results. Mild motor dysfunction by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHHS) was registered at admission. By the end of the acute period, positive changes were registered: NIHSS score decreased by 66.4%, significant improvement in patient’s cognitive status was seen. The average depression score by Beck Depression Inventory was 15.6 points, with severe depression diagnosed in 2 patients. By the end of the acute period, depressive symptoms regressed to the average level of 11.1 points. Reactive anxiety at admission was low, personal anxiety - high. By the end of the acute period anxiety remained at the same level or slightly reduced. Direct correlations of the neurological deficit degree by NIHSS and depression score by Beck Depression Inventory, as well as the later with personal anxiety level were revealed. Inverse correlation between the MMSE cognitive status and depression levels was discovered.

Conclusion. By the end of the acute period, the severity of emotional disorders decreases and cognitive function improves together with restoring motor activity.