PROGNOSTIC RANKING OF AEP AND SEP FINDINGS IN SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE- ANALYSIS OF 64 PATIENTS

In 64 patients with confirmed subarachnoid haemorrhage the clinical gr ading according to Hunt and Hess was compared to the initial findings of BAEP und SEP to elicit possible prognostic statements. Clinical and electrodiagnostic findings showed a high correlation. Patients withou t or with only slight alterations of amplitude and/or latency generall y showed a favourable course. Recurrent haemorrhages or internal compl ications which can be decisive for outcome cannot be predicted by clin ical or electrodiagnostic findings. The alterations of BAEP and SEP in crease parallel to severity of clinical findings. Bilateral loss of BA EP or SEP indicates poor prognosis. Prognostic statements can be made with certainty only in cases with primary poor clinical condition (Hun t-Hess Grade IV-V) and marked alterations of evoked potentials.