Association Of Isolated Loss Of Consciousness And Ct Findings In Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury can present in various ways, with high rates of energy transfer leading to more damage. Routine CT imaging for mild head trauma with only loss of consciousness may not be necessary. Falls are the most common cause of TBI, and a GCS score of less than 15 and LOC are strong predictors of CT abnormalities. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing GCS scores and significant predictors in clinical decisions to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure. Future research should focus on tailoring prevention and treatment strategies for different population subgroups within the study cohort. OBJECTIVES: is to study corelation between isolated loc in traumatic brain injury TYPE OF STUDY: This is a observational study to be conducted in the EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT of BLDE(DU), Shri B.M Patil Medical College Hospital, Vijayapur , Karnataka. STUDY PERIOD: Period of 21 months (August 2022 to April 2024). STUDY POPULATION: Patients coming to Emergency Department BLDE, Shri B.M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura from August 2022 to April 2024 who met the inclusion Criteria. METHODOLOGY: 1. Classification: Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are divided into two groups: • LOC Group: Patients who experienced Loss of Consciousness (LOC). • NON-LOC Group: Patients who did not experience LOC. 2. . Later CT Scan Positivity was assesed • For each of these two groups (LOC and NON-LOC), you identify the CT scan positivity rates. • You calculate the p-value and odds ratio to determine the association between LOC and CT scan positivity. 3. Classification on basis of GCS: • Patients are reclassified based on their Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) status: • GCS < 15 with LOC: Patients with a GCS score less than 15 who experienced LOC. • GCS 15 with LOC: Patients with a GCS score of 15 who experienced LOC. • For each of these GCS-based subgroups, you calculate the p-value and odds ratio for CT scan positivity. 4. Comparison: • You compare the p-values and odds ratios from the second classification (based on GCS and LOC) with those from the first classification (based only on LOC). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the associations between Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, loss of consciousness (LOC), and positive CT scan findings in 145 participants with head trauma. Lower GCS scores and the presence of LOC were linked to higher rates of CT abnormalities. However, the overall prevalence of positive CT findings was low (3.5%), with only 7.4% of participants with LOC showing abnormalities. Symptoms like vomiting and headache, and demographic factors such as age, were not significant predictors of CT abnormalities. Given the low rate of positive CT findings and significant radiation exposure from CT scans, the study suggests that routine CT imaging for patients with mild head trauma and only LOC may not be necessary. Prioritizing GCS scores and other significant predictors in clinical decisions can reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient safety and resource utilization in emergency settings. This evidence-based approach ensures CT scans are reserved for higher-risk patients, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care.