Abstract
Introduction: Motorcycles represent less than 2% of the licensed vehicles but motorcyclists account for 12% of road deaths in Ireland. According to OECD figures a motorcyclist is two to three times more likely to be killed in Ireland than on the continent. The most successful proven injury prevention method to reduce the severity of head injury and fatalities after a crash are motorcycle helmets. The COST 327 European research brought together experts from across Europe to investigate in detail, motorcyclists' head and neck injuries and recommend preventative strategies. In light these recommendations the British Road Safety Authority has introduced the Sharp programme which hopes to save 50 lives in the UK each year alone by helping riders to choose the best fitting and safest helmets. Methods: We evaluated the pattern of head injuries sustained by motorcyclists referred to the two neurosurgical centres Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital in Ireland and ascertained if the new SHARP guidelines could be of benefit in reducing the burden of motorcycle related neurotrauma and disability in Ireland. Results: Of the 62 patients registered 24% were not wearing helmets. Mild TBI (GCS 15–13) accounted for 40% of all new referrals, moderate TBI (12–9) 6% and severe TBI (8–3) 51%. CT brain imaging of patients: contusions 63%, subdural haemorrhages 15% traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage 15%, extra-dural haemorrhages 4%, and skull fractures 27%. The mortality for the patients registered after a motorcycle accident was 18% (11 patients). Conclusions: Despite Ireland having mandatory helmet laws almost a quarter of our motorcyclists with traumatic brain injury were unhelmeted. Extra-dural haemorrhages virtually eliminated by strict helmet laws in Italy affected four motorcyclists. Up to 20% reduction in mortality is predicted if all motorcyclists in Ireland were to wear helmets that satisfied the SHARP criteria. Keywords: Neurotrauma; Motorcycle; Helmets
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