A Postmortem Study of Pattern and Distribution of Intracranial Haemorrhages in Fatal Head Injuries Following Road Traffic Accidents in Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Gulbarga

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted to know, pattern and distribution of intracranial haemorrhage in fatal head injuries in RTAs along with victim’s age and sex and survival period. In addition, an attempt was also made to know the cause of death.Methodology: The present study was both retrospective and prospective study. The study material comprised of 75 victims of RTA cases, who were admitted and died in Basaveshwara teaching and general Hospital, MRMC, Gulbarga and subsequently autopsied, during the 3 year period from May 2011 to April 2014.Results: In this study, males outnumbered females in the ratio 2.9:1. Age group most commonly involved was 21 – 30 years (24%). Most of the victims died < 24 hours following accident (58.66%). Most common victims involved were motor cycle occupants (37.33%). Intracranial haemorrhage was present in maximum number of victims (58.67%), followed by lung injuries (33.33%). Subdural haemorrhage was seen in majority of cases (38.67%). Intracranial injuries alone were responsible for death in 57.33% followed by hemorrhagic shock in 36%.).Conclusion: RTA’s are the penalty paid by us for rapid transportation and have become the commonest cause of unnatural deaths. The rise in the number of fast moving vehicles, semi-skilled drivers, drunken drivers, congested and ill-maintained roads has led to the increase in the number of RTA’s. Intracranial injury was the most common finding in the study. It was observed that in majority of cases, intracranial injury contributed either directly or indirectly to death especially with skull fracture. Hence stricter implementation of traffic rules and promotion of road safety measures by the concerned authority viz. the use of helmets and seatbelts, avoidance of over speeding, using footpaths, etc. is the need of the hour. It also highlights the need of emergency trauma services at site of the occurrence for reducing morbidity and mortality in such cases