An audit on patients with head injury who were admitted to neurotrauma unit National Hospital Sri Lanka

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem and it contributes to a substantial number of deaths and permanent disability. Methods All patients admitted to Neuro-trauma Unit NHSL with TBIs (moderate to severe head injury and/or pathological finding on CT) during the month of May 2015 were analyzed. All demographic data, mode of injury, GCS, management and hospital stay were recorded. Results Among the 150 admission 83.3% were males, 65% were in the working age group (18-60 years). Road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for 65 % (98) where as 21% (32) were due to fall and 7% (10) assaults. In the RTA group 66% (65) was motor bike accidents and 27% was three wheel accidents. None of them were passengers or drivers of cars. Among these subjects 39% of patients required surgical intervention and 49% required intensive care unit or high dependency unit care (ICU/HDU). Average hospital stay was 7 days (2-21). Inward deaths was 11.3% (17) where majority were due to motor bikes 47% (8) and three wheels 29% (5). Conclusion Most of the head injuries were sustained among males of working age group where majority were due to RTA. Motor bike and three wheel were the leading causes indicating more road safety measures are to be implemented towards motor bikes and three wheels. Increased requirement of ICU/HDU and long stay is a burden for health sector.