Management of traumatic brain injury: A two-years institutional experience

Abstract

Objective: To study the different aspects and management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Neurosurgery, PAF Hospital, Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad from September 2022 to August 2024. Patients with either sex and of all ages were in the inclusion criteria, while patients with recurrent TBI and co-morbidities were excluded. All the details were collected in a pre-designed form. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 25.

Results: Out of total 216 TBI patients, 74% were male, while 26% were female. Majority of the patients were in the first three decades of their life (64%). Most of the patients sustained TBI due to Road Traffic Accident (RTA), i.e., 53%, followed by history of fall 33%. At the time of presentation in all the TBI patients, the TBI was mild in almost 50%, moderate in 30% and severe in 20%. The most common radiological findings were brain edema (13%), brain contusions (12%) and extradural hematoma (10%), followed by others. Seventy two percent of all TBI patients were managed conservatively, while others need surgery. At the time of discharge and final follow up the Glasgow Outcome Scale was good recovery in about 76% of the patients.

Conclusion: Majority of the patients were male. The TBI is mostly due to RTA. First three decades of life is the most common age group affected in TBI patients. Most of the TBI patients presented to hospital with mild to moderate TBI. The proper and timely management of TBI resulted in good GOS.