Pattern of traumatic brain injury in multiply injured patients at a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a 5-year retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Head injuries represent a significant global health concern, particularly among multiply injured patients, often leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. The UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital in Osogbo serves a diverse patient population, many of whom suffer from traumatic injuries. Therefore, a thorough examination of head injury patterns in this context is essential. Aim This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the patterns of head injuries among multiply injured patients at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital over a five-year period, from January 2017 to January 2022. Methodology A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of multiply injured patients with head injuries admitted to UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital during the specified period. Data on patient demographics, injury characteristics, treatment received, and outcomes (including referrals, mortality rates, and treatment outcomes) were collected and analyzed. Results The study included 56 multiply injured patients with head injuries. Among these patients, 10.7% required referral to another healthcare facility or specialist for further evaluation or treatment, while the remaining 89.3% did not necessitate additional referral. Additionally, 7.1% of patients succumbed to their injuries, resulting in mortality, while 92.9% survived. Regarding treatment outcomes, 71.4% of patients experienced favorable outcomes, while 28.6% had unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the patterns of head injuries among multiply injured patients at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital over a five-year period. These findings underscore the importance of timely and effective medical interventions in improving patient outcomes.