Study of pattern of fatal head injury cases due to road traffic accidents in Bhavnagar Region, Gujarat.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Head injury is an important cause of mortality world wide as head is the most vulnerable part of the body involved in fatal road traffic accident. Material and Methods: The present study was under taken on 117 victims of road traffic accident who died due to injuries sustained on the head, which were autopsied at mortuary complex of Government Medical College and Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat over a period of 1 year between 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011. Observation Most of the road traffic accident had taken place in the afternoon hours (12.01 P.M. to 6.00 P.M.).Majority of victims were found in age group of 21 to 30 years. Two wheeler occupants were the most commonly involved. Four wheeler occupants and pedestrians were least commonly involved. A large proportion of the victims died within 0 to 12 hours of the accident. Conclusion: Very high morbidity at place of accident or at initial phase of treatment is definitely alarming and highlights the need for taking urgent steps for establishing good pre-hospital care and provision of trauma services at site.