Traumatic Brain Injuries: Experience of an Industrial Hospital in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes for morbidity, mortality and economic loss. Aim: To study the etiology, epidemiological aspect and outcome of Traumatic Brain Injuries admitted at Tata Main Hospital. Material and Methods: Retrospective case series study undertaken for a period of 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015.2855 patients presenting to our Emergency Department with head injury were included in the study. Patients underwent detailed clinical and radiological evaluation as per trauma protocol. Results: The most commonly affected age group was 21 to 30 years (25,6%)%) with male to female ratio of 2.3:1. Injuries were predominantly caused by road traffic accident (69.4%), followed by fall from height (15%) and assault (5.1%). The most common CT scan finding was brain contusion (14%); others included acute subdural hematoma (9%), extra-dural hematoma (6%) and depressed skull fracture (4%) and traumatic sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (2%).Out of 400 severe head injuries 227 ( 57% ) expired. Out of 685 casas with moderate Head Injury 301 (44% ) cases showed complete recovery.100% recovery was seen in Mid Head Injury cases. Conclusion: Road Traffic Accidents are a major cause of severe traumatic brain injury. About 66% cases reported to Emergency after 2 hours suggestive of an imperetive need of timely referral to hospitals so as to minimize the consequences of secondary brain injury. Only 5.5% cases required surgical intervention signifying the need for proper treatment measures.