Evaluation of causes of brain CT scan in patients with minor trauma

Abstract

BackgroundComputerized tomography (CT) scan is one of the widely used imaging modalities for the diagnosis of anomalies and diseases. Nonetheless, increased exposure to the radiations is one of its overlooked side effects. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the causes of cerebral CT scan in patients with minor trauma. MethodIn this cross-sectional study, 550 patients with minor head trauma referred to (XXX) were evaluated. The data are collected and completed using a questionnaire comprising of variables such as age, sex, type of trauma, trauma severity, CT scan results, associated symptoms based on NEXUS II, CCHR and NOC criteria and underlying diseases. The data were analyzed using statistical tests and SPSS software version 22. ResultThe mean age of patients was 32.5 years and 62% of patients were male. 67% of the patients visited the hospital on their own. The cause of the trauma in 29% patients was car accident, 19% fall from height and 16.5% conflict. Scalp lesions were seen in 30.5%, hematomas in 4.9%, dizziness in 8.9%, history of comorbidities in 5.8%, episode of vomiting less than 2 in 7.3%, episode of vomiting more than 2 times in 1.1%, headache with score ≥7 in 5.8%, headache with score ≤7 in 23.1%, postoperative forgetfulness in 0.2%, raccoon eyes in 0.2% and nose bleeding in 1.5%. Findings of CT scan were abnormal in 0.2% of patients. The patient's condition declared cleared in 94.5% cleared and 5.5% referred to a neurosurgery. Statistically, CT scan had significant role in predicting the patient's neurosurgery counseling status (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe majority of patients with minor head trauma had normal brain CT scan and was discharged without the need for neurosurgery counseling. Therefore, it seems necessary to reduce brain CT scans without indication to reduce the radiation dose among patients with minor head trauma.