Epidemiology of paediatric head injury

ABSTRACT

Objective of the study was to identify the magnitude of the problem to find out the factors leading to and to formulate recommendations which can help to reduce the incidence of head injuries. Prospective study at Lahore general hospital was conducted from January to December 1995. There were 1769 paediatric patients admitted during one year. Among these 1120 [63.3%] were boys and 549 [36.7%] girls. Maximum patients [1044 or 59%] were between 6 to 10 years of age. Fall from height was the commonest [1238 or 70%] cause, followed by road traffic accident in 531[30%] and firearm injury in 11 [0.62%] patients. There were 350 [19.8%] patients with severe, 531 [30%] with moderate and 888 [50.2%] with mild head injury. Eight hundred and eighty four [50%] patients did not receive any prehospital treatment, 531 [30%] were seen by general practitioners. 177 [10%] were initially treated at district level hospital and 177 [10%] cases were received from teaching hospitals. We conclude that most of the head injuries are minor and occur due to fall from height. Children are more prone to injuries between 6 to 10 years of age. Most of the head injuries in children do not need operative managements. Families with better social class bring their children with minor head injuries to the hospital. Public education for child supervision and parenthood training can help to reduce the incidence of paediatric head injury