Incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms in Skull Base Surgery

Objective: To assess the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in patients undergoing elective skull base surgery in comparison to other elective brain surgery. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective brain surgery was examined. The incidence of development of PTSD symptoms was evaluated in comparison between general cranial cases and skull base cases using a structured clinical interview (SCID) and a battery of standardized questionnaires before surgery as well as 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. In addition, the short form SF36 and EuroQOL-3D were completed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Results: A prospective cohort study of 36 patients undergoing elective brain surgery was examined. Nine patients (25%) had skull base surgery. Before surgery the PTSD symptoms were reported in two (22%) and two cases (7%) in the skull base and general cranial cases, respectively. At 3 months follow-up PTSD symptoms were observed in two (22%) and three patients (11%) in the skull base and general cranial cases, respectively. Conclusions: Our results reveal that PTSD symptoms have initially a higher incidence in patients undergoing skull base surgery. Further research is needed to determine the relevant incident triggering the PTSD symptoms. Psychological support is needed for patients suffering from PTSD symptoms as we could observe stabilization in the symptoms also at 3 months follow-up.