Management and outcome in patients following head injury admitted to an Irish Regional Hospital.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Each year in Ireland, 11 000 patients are admitted to hospital with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) but there are no data on subsequent disability in such patients. The objective of this study was to assess the management and outcome in patients of working age admitted with TBI to the unit. METHODS: Two hundred and sixteen patients admitted with TBI aged 16-65 were identified. Self-reported incidence of disability and access to appropriate services was assessed using the Glasgow outcome scale and a problem-orientated questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty-five per cent of patients eligible for review agreed to participate. The majority of injuries (86%) were mild. An intracranial injury was identified on 35% of CT brain scans performed. Patients with an abnormality on CT scanning were more likely to report difficulties with headache, concentration and memory at time of follow-up. When questioned, 34% of patients still perceived difficulties since their injury. Of this group, 60% didn't receive any input from rehabilitation services. One year post-injury, 11% of patients remained unfit for work. CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients, even with mild TBI, continue to suffer sequelae from their injury augmented by difficulty in accessing appropriate rehabilitation services.