Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury is a major public health issue. Mild traumatic brain injuries account for more than 80% of all traumatic brain injuries. Computed tomography (CT) scan is an essential imaging modality for diagnosing traumatic brain injury. The rationale for brain CT however, still lacks a broad acceptance. This study evaluated the incidence of abnormal CT head findings and the clinical utility of CT scan head in patients with minor traumatic brain injury. Materials and Methods: Hundred minor traumatic brain injury cases admitted in emergency department that underwent routine head CT scan after clinical assessment, who satisfy the inclusion criteria were analyzed prospectively. Results: out of 100 patients, majority of patients (69%) had normal CT scan results and only 31 cases (31%) had abnormal CT results. Majority (76%) of the patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score 15 and 40% of patients with GCS<15 had normal CT results. Abnormal CT findings were further classified into significant and insignificant CT findings. Of 31 patients with abnormal CT results only 14 cases (14%) had significant CT findings and 22 cases (22%) had insignificant CT findings. 28.5% and 21.5% cases with significant CT findings had GCS <15 and age over >60yrs respectively. Conclusion: CT head is beneficial in patients with age over 60 years and GCS <15, especially when associated with other risk factors. CT head is not routinely indicated in patients with GCS 15 unless otherwise associated with other risk factors

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