Left-handedness as a risk factor for head injuries.

Abstract

To study prevalence of left-handedness among traumatic patients with head injuries. A case-control study. Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. One hundred and sixty three traumatic patients newly admitted to a surgical ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre during one month period with exception of patients with arm injury, severe injury and confused patients. Maximal grip strength of both hands, questionnaire on hand preferred for eight habitual activities. The overall prevalence of left-handers determined on the basis of bilateral asymmetry in maximal grip strength was non-significantly higher in traumatic than in the control group. Relative to the control group, lefties were over-represented among victims of head injury, while prevalence of left-handers among patients with leg and trunk injuries and among controls was similar. Left-handed patients were more likely to sustain head traumas during fighting, road transport accidents and sport activities. Possible reasons for increased level of traumatisation among sinistrals are discussed. Left-handedness is a risk factor for head injuries obtained during confrontational activities. Therefore, left handers should avoid such type of behaviour in order to reduce traumatisation rate.