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Abstract

Cognitive impairment and behavioral changes following post-traumatic brain injury are disabling sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Processing speed, attention, executive functions and memory are usually the most impaired functions and may go unnoticed during a routine follow up neurologic consult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of impairment of cognitive functions in a Guinean population of moderate traumatic brain injury by assessing the adaptability of classical Western neuropsychological tests to Guinean socio-cultural context. Twenty-three patients treated in neurosurgery at the Ignace Deen Hospital of Conakry were retrospectively assessed with a mean follow-up of 8.2months, a sex ratio of 4.6.1 and a mean age of 30.5years. Patients were subjected to the Bell test, and to the measurement of verbal and visio-spatial memory scores compared to a group of 23 control patients. The results showed significant differences between the two groups with impaired short recall memory and intact attention functions although quickly exhausted (mental fatigability). Our results designate these 3 tests as simple and reliable neuropsychological evaluation tools to be put in place early during the skull trauma care network, to improve the neuropsychological outcomes in Africa.