Evaluation of relationship between size and type of scalp laceration with intracranial damage in patients with mild traumatic brain injury

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the size and type of scalp ulcer with intracranial injury in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 100 patients with trauma will be included in the study considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Wound size, wound diameter, condition and type of wound were evaluated using direct examination in the trauma ward of the emergency medicine department of Imam Reza Hospital and patients with scalp ulcers with CT-Scan indication were included in the study. If a fracture was suspected, a cranial CT-Scan was performed. Patients underwent a thorough neurological examination to assess intracranial injury. After the treatment, the patients were discharged and 4 weeks later, they were evaluated for symptoms such as impaired consciousness, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and dizziness by telephone. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.57±16.23 years and 74% were male. 5% of patients had a history of previous trauma and 1% had a history of head trauma. Most patients had 13 or 14 GCS at the time of referral (82%). The most common complaint was going to the emergency room (32%). In 50% of patients, the symptoms of head trauma were loss of consciousness, and in 43%, they were asymptomatic. In most cases, the wounds were superficial, linear, and active without bleeding. Intracranial pathology was observed in 4% of cases. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was significantly higher in stellar and deep scars (p=0.001). Subarachnoid hemorrhage and axonal diffusion findings were also associated with death (p=0.001). Also in the present study, cranial fractures were not related to intracranial pathology.