Identification of Incidence and Outcome of Diffuse-Axonal Injuries

Abstract

Background: Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), a specific type of traumatic brain injury, may be caused by shearing forces leading to widespread tearing of axons and small vessels. This study is designed to identify the incidence, risk factors, mortality and analyze outcome in DAI. Method: 120 patients with DAI were recorded in the duration of 2 years. DAI was confirmed by signs of injury identified in radiology imaging. Patients underwent surgery, outcome was analyzed using Glasgow outcome scale (Jennett & Bond). Results: Road traffic accident constituted 75% mode of injury. Majority patients were identified in the age group of 20–35 among the age range from 1 to 64 years with highest male prevalence. Patients with GCS score between 4 and 6 constituted 40%. CT scan findings in III to IV grade were found in 45%. Follow up period of 2 years was fixed to identify the mortality and outcome. Mortality at 6 months after DAI was 25%, the average survival was of 13.5 days (range: 1–90 days). Conclusion: variables that reflected the severity of the trauma and TBI as measured by CGS were: severity of DAI, and the presence of hypotension and statistical significance with all variables. Therefore, severity of DAI emerged as a risk factor for both mortality and dependence.

Keywords: Diffuse axonal injury, Glasgow outcome scale, risk factor

Cite this Article

Vidyasagar G. Identification of Incidence and Outcome of Diffuse-Axonal Injuries. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2018; 8(2): 18–22p.