FREQUENCY AND RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AT HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX, PESHAWARPLEX, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of death and disability worldwide, including in Pakistan, where thousands of cases occur annually. Computed Tomography (CT) is commonly utilized for the diagnosis and assessment of TBI due to its speed and accuracy. However, CT imaging may also reveal incidental findings that are not directly linked to the trauma itself.

involving 188 patients who underwent CT brain scans at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Data were collected to evaluate both traumatic and incidental findings. Scans were performed using a 128-slice multidetector CT scanner (GE) to ensure high-resolution imaging and accurate diagnosis.

Results: A total of 188 head trauma patient who referred for head trauma CT were evaluated. The effected age group was 1 to 90 years. Among 188 the mean age of the patient was (34.2). Male (83%), female (17%).  Trauma brain Injury was commonly caused by RTA (69.1%), HOF (18.1%), and LOC (4.3%), FAI (2.7 %,) physical assault (3.7%, 7 cases), sports-related injuries (2.1%, 4 cases). The common CT finding was Skull Fracture include multiple skull fracture 54.8%, followed by frontal fracture 12.8% and temporal fracture 8.0%., patients with abnormal intracranial findings, Parenchymal injuries were the most common, intracerebral hemorrhage 13.8% and cerebral contusion 8%, subarachnoid hemorrhage was the next most frequent finding, present in 13.3% of patients. Intraventricular hemorrhage 3.2 % Focal hematomas, such as subdural was 3.7% and epidural hematomas 2.7, were less common, collectively accounting for 6.4% of cases. Other significant findings, including non-hemorrhagic changes and features suggestive of diffuse axonal injury, were identified in 13.3% (n=25) of patients.

Conclusion: Our study validates CT imaging as an indispensable tool for evaluating TBI at HMC, with high rates of skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, and incidental findings. The predominance of RTAs and male young adults underscores the need for preventive public health strategies. Integrating evidence-based CT utilization protocols, improving trauma systems, and enhancing neurosurgical infrastructure are vital steps toward reducing the burden of TBI in Pakistan.