Brain Injuries: A Retrospective Study on the Incidence and Possible Treatment Options of Patients attending Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, Nigeria
Ovie F.Ogbo1 Nwafor C. Charles2, Nwanama E. Kenechukwu3, Epelle U. jude4, Bienonwu E.Osemeke5 Preyor Ebizimo6 Franklin C. Uche4
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.
2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Enugu State University College of Medicine, Parklane, Nigeria.
3Department of Anatomy, Sancta Maria Catholic College of Nursing Sciences Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria
4Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
5Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria.
6Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Correspondence E-mail: Ovie F.O. oviedawnc@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Brain injury poses a significant public health challenge due to its potential to cause neurodegeneration. The epidemiological patterns of brain injuries vary across different populations. This study aimed to determine the incidence of trauma-related brain lesions, clinical presentations, risk factors, examination modalities, and potential treatment options. Conducted at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, between January 2022 and June 2023, this study utilized data obtained from the hospital’s medical records across various wards. The study variables included age range, gender, season, consciousness level, use of contrast in imaging, type of examination, computed tomography (CT) scan results, and mechanisms of injury. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22 and presented as percentages in tables. Among the 855 CT scans reviewed, 724 revealed brain lesions, with 298 cases in females and 426 in males. During examination, 73.4% of patients were conscious, and contrast was applied in 19.0% of scans. Traumatic brain lesions were the most frequent (35.2%), followed by vascular lesions (26.9%). The brain’s vascular components were predominantly affected (61.4%), particularly the cerebrum (36.4%). This study highlights a significant incidence of brain injuries among patients at COOUTH, underscoring the substantial financial burden on affected families and communities.
Keywords: Computed Tomography, Brain Incidence, Brain Lesion.
CITE AS: Ovie F.Ogbo, Nwafor C. Charles, Nwanama E. Kenechukwu, Epelle U. jude, Bienonwu E.Osemeke, Preyor Ebizimo and Franklin C. Uche. (2024). Brain Injuries: A Retrospective Study on the Incidence and Possible Treatment Options of Patients attending Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES, 5(2):72-77. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRMS/2024/5.2.07277