Temporospatial characteristics of traumatic brain injuries in Wenchuan earthquake and the management strategy / 中华神经医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the temporospatial characteristics of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by Wenchuan earthquake, the distribution of the complex injuries, and the surgical timing and approaches. Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed among 92 patients sustaining TBI in Wenchuan earthquake admitted in our department within 20 days after the injury. Results All the 92 patients came from the northwest Chengdu Champaign. Seventy-six patients were admitted within the initial 12 hours after earthquake, and 10 patients underwent surgical procedures. Forty-seven patients were cured, 31 were transferred to other provinces for further medical care, and 3 died. Conclusions Early TBI accounted for a large proportion of the TBI cases in Wenchuan earthquake, characterized by rapid progression of the condition. Early emergency surgeries can significantly improve the success rate of operations and lower the mortality rate.