Profiles and Outcomes of Head Injury at Nakuru Level 5 Hospital

Abstract

Background: Head injury patients commonly present to our health facilities with the resultant morbidity, mortality and economic losses being enormous. This study aimed to document the causes, characteristics, current practices in diagnosis, management and the outcomes of head injury. Methods: A prospective descriptive study conducted at Nakuru level five hospital from January to November 2015. Descriptive patient data, clinical presentation, investigations, treatments offered and outcomes were captured using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 445 patients were recruited with a male preponderance at 88.7%. The mean age was 30.5 years. The commonest cause of injury was assault at 25 .6%. Sixty-five percent (65.4%) of the patients had a mild head injury, 22.5% and 12.1% had moderate and severe head injury respectively.Fifty-four patients (12.1%) died and the rest had varying degrees of recovery. A lower GCS, transfer into hospital, convulsions, otorrhoea, rhinorrhea, loss of consciousness, presence of other injuries and admission to the ICU were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusion: The commonest causes of head injury are; violence /assault, pedestrians, motor cycle crashes, motor vehicle accidents and falls in reducing order amongst others. There’s need for training to care givers on head injury at the Nakuru level five hospital.

Key words: Head trauma, Brain injury, Hematoma.