Correlation between reaction time and intellectual impairment in cerebrovascular disease

Simple reaction time (RT) was studied in 12 left-hemiplegic patients almost a year after onset to evaluate its relationship with intellectual impairme nt. Based on the latency of RT, subjects were divided into 2 groups; a norm al latency group (N- group;140-180 ms), and a prolonged latency group (D- g roup;<200ms). The D- group showed slightly reduced scores in total IQ of WA IS-R, compared with the N- group. There was no significant difference betwe en the groups in verbal IQ. However, The D- group showed a significantly lo wer score in performance IQ (p<0.05). In the regional cerebral blood flow ( rCBF) study, the D- group showed significantly decreased brood flow in the right hemisphere. The prolonged latency of RT may be closely correlated wit h some aspects of intellectual impairment in cerebrovascular disease (CVD). RT may be a useful, objective index for cognitive dysfunction after stroke .