Epidemiology & pattern of traumatic brain injury at Annapurna neurological institute & allied sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Research Report.

ABSTRACT: Background : Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a major health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. It represents the greatest contribution to death and disability amongst all trauma related injuries globally. Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Nepal. Despite the large number of TBI's in Nepal and its impact, there is at present no country wide study examining its epidemiology. Therefore, there is a gap in the literature on epidemiological data from Nepal concerning TBI. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted to analyse epidemiology of traumatic brain injury at the Annapurna Neurological Institute & Allied Sciences. The eligibility criteria included all patients who presented to the hospital with a history of a traumatic head injury between 1st January 2020 and 31st October 2020. Results: 198 patients were identified who met our inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients sustaining a TBI was 32.1 years (SD +/- 19.18). The most common age groups sustaining a TBI were 15-25 years followed by <15 years. TBI was more common in males than females. RTA's were the most common mechanism of injury followed by falling from a height and physical assault. Motorcycle accidents were the predominant mode of transport seen in RTA's. The lack of helmet use and intake of alcohol represented a large number of accidents. Conclusion: This study concluded that demographic data for patients sustaining a TBI at Annapurna Neurological Institute & Allied Sciences is consistent with data from other developing and developed countries. We found that the majority of patients sustaining a TBI were male and below the ages of 15 years and between the ages of 15-25 years. The mechanism of injuries differed between age groups with falls being more common in below 15 years. We also show a high intake of alcohol whilst driving and lack of helmet use.TBI must be prioritised as Public health issue and there should be action plan to minimise TBI.