Abstract

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, remains a key measure in neurological assessment after head injury. A score less than or equal to 8 is the traditional criterion for differentiating between severe and moderate to mild head injury. Present study was aimed to study clinical profile of the patients with head injury, factors affecting its prognosis along with role of Glasgow Coma Scale (G.C.S.) in its outcome. Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, prospective, observational study, conducted in patients > 18 years, with a history of road traffic accident, Head Injury due to falls or assault, admitted in the neurosurgical ICU or Neurosurgical wards. At the end of one month, we evaluated the Glasgow outcome scores of all patients and documented. Results: In our study we enrolled a 100 consecutive adult patients, 68% of the patients were males, while 32% were female, 34% patients sustained mild head Injuries (GCS 13-15) while 40% Patients sustained moderate head injuries (GCS 9-12), and 26% patients sustained severe head Injuries (GCS 3-8). The most recurring symptom/sign in all patients was history of Loss of Consciousness (49 %), followed by, Headache (40%), ENT bleed along with history of Head Injury (37%). A significant correlation noted between Admission GCS grades and GOS grades seen at 1 month. A mortality rate of 6% was observed in the Conservatively managed patients, whereas a mortality rate of 22% was observed amongst the operative arm of the cohort. 11% patients were left with severe disability whereas 10% patients continued to be in a persistent vegetative state, while a mortality of 12% was observed. Unfavorable outcomes (GOS 3,4,5) were observed in 33% of the cohort. Conclusion: We conclude that GCS scoring at the time of admission is an essential and useful tool in prognostication of head injuries

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