Traumatic Brain Injury in Northeast India: A Study of Resource Limitations and Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the epidemiology, management outcomes, and the impact of clinical nihilism in traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases following road traffic accidents (RTA) in rural Northeast India. We evaluate how limited neurosurgical access and resource constraints influence decision-making and patient outcomes in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) from January 2021 to May 2023, analyzing 173 TBI patients admitted following RTAs. Data collected included demographics, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, interventions performed, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge, and mortality rates. Patients were stratified into mild, moderate, and severe TBI groups to evaluate treatment disparities and the impact of delayed or denied interventions