Prevalence of spasticity after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of spasticity after stroke is approximately 20%. There is, so far, little information in the literature on the development of spasticity after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of spasticity after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and to identify possible risk factors in the acute phase. METHODS A total of 87 patients were assessed for spasticity with the Modified Ashworth Scale after 6 months. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS Spasticity was present after 6 months in 19 (22%) of the patients, but was treated pharmacologically in only 1 case. Worse clinical status at admission carried a high risk for spasticity (odds ratio (OR) 10.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-43.2), followed by the presence of infection (OR 7.4; 95% CI 1.6-33.8) and vasospasm (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.2-19.0) during the intensive care phase. CONCLUSION Spasticity after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage occurred with the same prevalence as after other stroke. Risk factors for spasticity were worse clinical condition at admission and the occurrence of infection and vasospasm during the intensive care period. Pharmacological treatment was not commonly used.