A 2‑year Prospective Study of Head Injuries in Enugu Metropolis: Has There Been Any Change 10 Years After?

Abstract

Background: Head injury is a global issue because of the attendant burden on the family and the institution. The epidemiological pattern
continues to change with the passage of time. Very few data are available on the current status of pattern and epidemiology of head injuries in the last 10 years in Enugu metropolis. We present the pattern of presentation in a public tertiary health institution in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study in which demographic data such as age and sex, etiology of injury, clinical symptoms and signs, Glasgow Coma Score, injury type, radiologic findings, type of treatment given as well as associated collateral injuries were collated and analysed.

Results: A total of 85 patients were recruited in this study. The modal age group was patients aged <20 years. The most common etiology  and presenting symptoms were Road Traffic Accident (RTA) (63%) and loss of consciousness (21%), respectively. About 54% of the patients had combination of symptoms. The highest number of poor outcomes (vegetative and severe dependence) was seen among  the age group 20–39 years.

Conclusion: Younger age group is increasingly involved. Peak age incidence is reducing. RTA still  remains the most common etiology