Multimodale Charakterisierung von Patienten mit Vertebralarteriendissektion, funktionelles Outcome und Lebensqualität sowie Korrelation zu psychischen, kognitiven und neurologischen Merkmalen - eine explorative Untersuchung

Background and Purpose: Cervical artery dissections may cause cerebral ischemia and impair quality of life despite of good functional outcome. The aim of this study was the multimodal analysis of such patients. Methods: In a prospective exploratory study consecutive patients with vertebral artery dissection, patients with cerebral ischemia without dissection and stroke mimics were examined for psychological, cognitive and neurological factors, functional outcome and quality of life. Results: About 40% of patients with vertebral artery dissection showed reduced quality of life despite of good mid-term functional outcome. Subgroup analysis yielded significantly higher screening scores for posttraumatic stress symptoms predictive for quality of life. This finding could be interpreted as maladaptive psychological reaction. Conclusion: Posttraumatic stress symptoms are significantly important for the quality of life after vertebral artery dissection. The screening tools used in this study may enable the early detection of psychological, neurological and cognitive impairments, therapeutic interventions and a better quality of life.