Correlation among the GCS Score, CT Scan Findings and Early Clinical Outcome of Traumatic Brain Injury- Study of Fifty Cases

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an assault to the brain caused by an external physical force that may produce a state of diminished or altered consciousness and consequently, affecting cognitive abilities or physical function. According to the GCS, traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Currently the imaging method of choice for the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI is CT scan. According to the disease profile in SBMCH about 30% patient is admitted in surgery ward in every admission due to traumatic injury. Out of them about 10% have traumatic head injury. The aim of the study was to evaluate an association among the GCS score, CT scan findings and clinical outcome of head injury. It is a prospective observational study at Sher-E-Bangla Medical college Hospital, Barisal. In this study 72% patients were with no CT scan findings (haemorrhagic / nonhaemorghagic). Rest of the patients had CT scan findings (intracerebral haemorrhage, extradural haematoma, subdural hematoma etc.). In severe TBI there was a significant increase in the incidence of CT findings, with a rate of 100% of abnormalities. In this study it was observed that, on admission patients with low GCS (severe TBI) deteriorate more in comparison to moderate and mild TBI on admission. This association is significant (p = .049). Patients in the severe TBI group (according to GCS) showed the highest mortality (2 out of 5). This association is also statistically significant (p = .002).