Abstract Number: Esoc2026a2181 Organic Emotional Lability in Ischemic Stroke: Clinical, Neuropsychological, and Neuroimaging Correlates

Abstract Background and aims Organic emotional lability is a common yet frequently underestimated neuropsychiatric complication of ischemic stroke, characterized by impaired emotional regulation, mood instability, and increased affective reactivity. Structural damage to prefrontal and limbic brain regions, together with neuroinflammatory mechanisms, contributes to its development. Emotional lability significantly reduces quality of life, impairs social adaptation, and negatively influences post-stroke recovery. Methods A total of 120 patients aged 45–75 years who experienced ischemic stroke 1–6 months prior to evaluation were included. Patients were divided into two groups: those with clinically significant organic emotional lability (n=60) and controls without pronounced emotional disturbances (n=60). Assessment included neuropsychological testing (MMSE, MoCA, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, emotional lability questionnaire), brain MRI for lesion localization and leukoaraiosis, and laboratory evaluation of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6). Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and identify associated factors. Results Patients with organic emotional lability showed significantly lower cognitive performance, higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, and elevated inflammatory markers compared with controls (p0.05). MRI findings revealed a higher frequency of ischemic lesions involving prefrontal and limbic regions, as well as more frequent leukoaraiosis. Emotional instability was associated with poorer engagement in rehabilitation programs and reduced treatment adherence. Conclusions Organic emotional lability represents a core component of the post-stroke syndrome rather than a secondary manifestation. Its development is closely related to lesion localization, cognitive impairment, and systemic inflammation. Comprehensive assessment of emotional disturbances is essential to optimize rehabilitation effectiveness, social reintegration, and long-term outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. Conflict of interest Nothing to disclose