Clinical analysis of head injury in Wenchuan earthquake: a survey based on 182 cases

Objective To study the clinical features of head injury after Wenchuan Earthquake. Method From May 12 to June 12, 182 patients of head injuries related to Wenchuan Earthquake were admitted in the department of neurosurgery in West China Hospital. The epidemiology, mechanism, severity,complications, treatments and outcome of head injury were retrospectively studied. Results In this series, 102 cases were men and 80 women. Dilapidated building was the most important reason for head injuries. 88.5% patients were mild or moderated trauma. Open scalp injury was found in 68.7% cases. 46.7% patients were admitted within 72 hours after the earthquake. The data revealed that limbs fracture was the most common complication (16.5%). Only 40 patients received surgical treatment. The Glasgow Outcome Scale upon discharge or transfer were:5 for 121 cases (66.5%),4 for 38 cases(20.8%),3 or less for 23 cases, and 5 cases of death (3.3%). Conclusions The clinical features of head trauma patients after Wenchuan Earthquake included: low salvage treatment rate of severe cases before admission into hospital, high coalescent disease rate and high infective rate. Early standard treatment of multiple departments is important. Key words: Craniocerebral trauma;  Earthquake;  Therapy