Abstract

Introduction: One of the most common non communicable epidemic of the world are accidents, which are a major cause for morbidity and mortality. The most vulnerable part of the body which is affected by the road accidents is the head. This study was done to observe the incidence of vehicular trauma and the pattern of injuries which lead to fatal outcome. Materials and methods: This study was done on 256 patients of all ages, who had a history of Road Traffic accident and death occurred due to head injury within 15 days of admission. The age, sex, time of death, history and type of the accident were noted. Type of head injury, site of injury and other organs involved, were also observed. Results: A predominance of males was seen over the females in 73%. The most common age group to be affected was between 21-40 years of age with 63.5% people affected. Contusions on the sclap, membrane and brain were 97.2%, 90.2% and 100% and lacerations were 36.3%, 28.9% and 35% respectively. 70.7% of the patients had injury at the base of the skull which was the most common part of the head to be involved, followed by the involvement of the temporal bone in 60.2% of the patients. Most of the patients (92.6%) had a subdural hemorrhage while 82.4% had a subarachnoid membrane hemorrhage also. Conclusion: Improper roads and traffic disciple not to mention high traffic and vehicles are the main reason. Proper education to the people, importance of the speed limits and following the traffic regulation, wearing helmets for two wheelers and seat belts for the 4 wheelers have to be emphasized.

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