Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the clinical features of the acute phase of cerebellar hemorrhage and the factors that influence functional improvement and outcomes.
Materials and Methods: Subjective symptoms such as nausea and vertigo, cognitive function, swallowing function, hematoma volume, activities of daily living (ADL) after hospital discharge, and outcome as well as neurological symptoms at initial presentation were evaluated in 45 patients with cerebellar hemorrhage (28 men and 17 women). The mean length of the hospital stay was 24.6 days.
Results: Eleven patients had disturbances of consciousness, all of whom had an increase in hematoma volume and poor functional outcomes and could not be discharged. Among the 34 patients without disturbances of consciousness, 14 had nystagmus, 22 developed nausea and vertigo, 19 had extremity ataxia, 16 had truncal ataxia, 19 had dysphagia, 8 had dysarthria, and 24 had cognitive impairment. Twelve patients were discharged home, safely performed ADL, and had good cognitive and swallowing functions.
Conclusion: For patients in the acute phase of cerebellar hemorrhage, not only disturbance of consciousness and ADL but also cognitive and swallowing functions are important factors that determine when those patients can be discharged.
