Comparison of cognitive profiles in cerebro-vascular accident and traumatic brain injury patients interned at Ignace Deen University Hospital of Guinea-Conakry

Cognitive and behavioral symptoms can be sequelae of both cerebro-vascular accident (CVA) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In sub-Saharan African countries, including Guinea, there have been few studies focused on brain injury symptoms and related disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the cognitive status in TBI patients and CVA patients recruited at the Ignace Deen University Hospital, in order to provide better support for cognitive rehabilitation. We studied 25 TBI patients and 25 CVA patients under treatment from August to January 2016, and 25 healthy persons as controls. We used a survey questionnaire to collect data on socioeconomic and demographic features, then administered the Digit Span subtest from the WAIS III battery and the Rey-Osterrieth test (ROCF-A) to assess post-injury cognitive performance. The average age was 29.2 ±13.68 years in the TBI patients, compared to 57.6 ± 11.05 years in CVA patients, and both groups were predominantly male (TBI 88%, CVA 84%). Educational level and occupation did not differ. Cognitive testing revealed significantly greater impairments of memory, visuo-spatial and visuo-constructive functions in the CVA patients. Although the socioeconomic factors and educational level did not differ, we found that our CVA patients show more cognitive disorders. Longitudinal studies with greater sample sizes are required in order to validate the prevalence rates of CVA and TBI in the Guinean general population, as well as predictive factors and cognitive profiles. This could help to elaborate, adapt and prioritize prevention and intervention strategies.