Computed Tomographic Assessment of the Pattern of Head Injuries in a Developing Country: A Retrospective Review in a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, head injury (HI) constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In many developing countries, there is inadequate access to diagnostic computed tomography computed tomography (CT) scan for assessment of suspected cases of HI. This study was aimed at assessing the pattern of HI presentations in a referral health facility in a developing country setting. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of CT scans done for suspected cases of HI seen for 12 months in a Nigerian University teaching hospital. Chi‑square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to identify factors associated with the severity of HI. Results: Seventy‑nine cases of HI were seen. Most subjects were males (75, 94.9%) and within 21–30 years (31.6%). Majority of subjects (76.0%) had moderate‑to‑severe forms of HI. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause of HI (59,74.7%). The most common pathology was hematoma (60, 75.9%) and was commonly in single locations (36, 60.0%). Skull fracture was the second‑most common pathology (42, 53.2%) and was commonly in multiple locations. RTA, skull fracture, and multiple hematomas were associated with moderate‑to‑severe forms of HI. Conclusion: RTA was the most common cause of HI in the hospital. The incidence of HI was higher in males than females, who were largely in the most productive age group. The most common abnormalities were hematoma and skull fractures, and they were associated with severe forms of HI, thus, justifying the need for the availability and use of cranial CT scan in head trauma.