A STUDY OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN RIGHT HEMISPHERIC STROKES

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Cognitive functions and, in particular, executive function is commonly affected after stroke, leading to impairment in daily activities. Previous studies have shown conicting evidence regarding the incidence of executive dysfunction in patients with right or left hemispheric strokes. Few studies have shown that executive dysfunction is more prevalent in right hemispheric strokes. Aims and Objectives: 1. To study the executive dysfunction in patients with Right Hemispheric strokes. 2. To compare the impairment of executive functions with the Vascular territory involved Methods: This was a prospective observational study which included 100 patients admitted to a tertiary care center from January 2021 to August 2021. After Institutional EC clearance, patients with Right-Hemispheric ischemic stroke on neuro-imaging (CT or MRI) were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical history, neurological examination and etiological workup like echocardigraphy, carotid and vertebral artery doppler, CT/MR angiography were performed. Executive function was tested clinically using go-no-go test, digit-span test, trail making test, N-back test, Rey-osterreith complex gure test and clock drawing test. Data was entered to a pre-formatted data sheet and analysed. Results: The mean age of the included patients was 58.76years, 54 patients were male, Sixty-nine patients had anterior circulation stroke, 31 had posterior circulation stroke. Forty three patients had executive dysfunction as evidenced by abnormal go-no-go test (n=22), digit-span test(n=35), trail making test(n=10), N-back test(n=23), Rey-osterreith complex gure test(n=38) and clock drawing test(n=29). Executive dysfunction was more prevalent in anterior circulation strokes (n=37) as compared to posterior circulation strokes (n=6) (p=0.001) Executive dysfunctionConclusion: was a common nding in patients with right hemispheric stroke and was signicantly higher in patients with anterior circulation strokes.