Severity and Predictors of Outcome of Motorcycle-Associated Head Injury: An Experience from a Regional Neurosurgery Centre in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Motorcycle-associated head injury is one of the leading causes of disability and deaths, with its main victims being the motorcyclists, passengers, and pedestrians in their young productive age group. This study determines the role of severity and some predictive factors on survival and mortality of motorcycle-associated head injury. This is a cross-sectional study using data of patients managed for motorcycle-associated head injuries between December 2014 and November 2016. The patients' biodata, clinical findings, and management outcomes were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences version20. A total of 184 patients were analyzed, most of whom (81%) were aged ≤40 years and with a male dominance of 6.7:1. Pupillary abnormality was seen in 43.5% of the patients, and severe head injury occurred in 34.2% of the patients. Hemorrhagic contusion was the most common computed tomography (CT) finding (16.3%). Among 20.8% of the patients who died, 63.2% had severe head injury. Motorcycle-associated head injury predominantly occurred among young men who used a motorcycle for commercial purposes. The survival rate was higher among patients who had brain CT scan performed, extra-axial clots, and operative treatment. However, high mortality was seen among patients who could not afford brain CT scan, and who had bilateral pupillary dilatation, CT findings of abnormalities that are not surgically amenable, and severe head injury.