Abstract
Assaults constitute one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and traumatic spinal injuries (TSI). However there is a paucity of literature regarding that mechanism of injury in Africa. The aim of this study was to document the incidence, clinical presentation, therapeutic options and outcomes of these injuries. This prospective study over one year included 53 cases (10.09%) of TBI and TSI secondary to assault among a total of 525 cases of TBI and TSI. There was a male predominance with 90.57%. The male/female ratio was 9.6. The mean age ranged from 7 to 72 years with an average of 25.9 years. Farmers and students were most affected in 14 cases each one (26.41%) followed by traders in 5 cases (9.43%) and shepherds in 4 cases (7.54%). Fifty two percent of our patients were from Bamako and 92.45% were Malian people. Headache was the most common symptom in 37.73%. Cold steels were used in 46 cases (86.79%) and guns in 4 cases (7.55%). Hemiplegia was the most predominant neurologic sign in 15.9%. There were 49 cases of TBI and 4 cases of TSI. Skull fractures were found in 62.5% and intracranial lesions in 58.9%. Twelve patients (22.64%) were treated surgically. Good outcome was found in 64.15% while 13 patients (24.53%) had sequelae. The mortality rate was 11.32% Keywords: Assaults, traumatic brain injuries, traumatic spinal injuries
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
