BACKGROUND: In @entity1 with a space-occupying @entity2500 reduces the risk of @entity204 , but increases the chance of survival with severe disability. We assessed quality of life (QoL), symptoms of @entity308 , and caregiver burden at long-term follow-up. METHODS: @entity1 treated in two academic centres between 2007 and 2012 were included. Follow-up was at least six months. @entity1 and caregivers were interviewed separately. QoL was assessed with a visual analogue scale and the 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36); @entity308 with the Hospital Anxiety and @entity308 Scale; and caregiver burden with the Caregiver Strain Index. RESULTS: Twenty five @entity1 were enrolled, of whom seven had an @entity1188 in the dominant hemisphere. After a median follow-up of 26  months (IQR 11-46) the median SF-36 mental component score was 54.4 (IQR 45-60), indicating a mental QoL comparable to that in the general population. The median SF-36 physical component score was 32.7 (IQR 22-38), indicating a worse physical QoL. Dominance of the hemisphere did not influence QoL. 79  % of @entity1 and 65  % of caregivers would, in retrospect, again choose for surgery. 26  % of @entity1 had signs of @entity308 and 64  % of caregivers were substantially burdened in their daily life. CONCLUSIONS: Mental QoL after surgical decompression for space-occupying MCA @entity1188 is comparable to that in the general population, whereas physical QoL is worse. Dominance of the hemisphere did not influence QoL. The majority of caregivers experience substantial burden. Most @entity1 and caregivers stand by their decision for hemicraniectomy.

Quality of life after surgical decompression for a space-occupying XXXX : A cohort study.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients'] @entity308 :: ('MESH:D003866', 'Disease') :: ['Depression', 'depression'] @entity2500 :: ('MESH:D020244', 'Disease') :: ['middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct surgical decompression'] @entity1188 :: ('MESH:D007238', 'Disease') :: ['infarct'] @entity204 :: ('MESH:D003643', 'Disease') :: ['death']
@entity2500 :: (MESH:D020244,Disease) :: ['middle cerebral artery infarct']
