ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN PATIENT WITH MINOR HEAD INJURY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Aim: Approximately 2 million people sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually in India. A CT scan of the head is the initial choice of radiological investigation to evaluate patients with suspected head injury. The need for neurosurgical intervention is based on the clinical status of the patient and the radiological finding on head CT.

Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study done over a period of 6 months. A total of 201 patients were included in the study. Patients of traumatic brain injury above 15 years of age who were subjected to two or more CT scans of the brain. Patients were followed for a maximum of up to 5 scans. The decision of repeat scan was taken by the treating neurosurgeon. Patients who were taken up for surgery based upon the findings of the first CT scan. Patients who were discharged or who expired after the first CT scan.

Results: A total of 201 consequent head injury patients with 2 or more CT scans were studied. 192 were male. The mean age was 38.6 years (Range: 16e80). Road traffic accidents was the most common cause of trauma (134, 67%) followed by fall from height (47, 24%) and assault (17, 10%). Progression of lesion was seen more frequently in mixed lesions (21.8%), followed by SDH (12.5%) and EDH (6.2%).

Conclusions: Repeat CT scans were found to be of value in detecting new lesions or enlargement of existing lesions resulting in change of management in a significant proportion of patients.

Keywords: Computed Tomography, Minor Head Injury, Tertiary Care Hospital, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Lesions.