Pattern of traumatic intracranial bleeds at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to describe the pattern of traumatic intracranial bleeds at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Methods: A descriptive cross sectional analysis of consecutive patients who had traumatic intracranial bleeds, and admitted at the KNH between December 2010 and March 2011 was performed. A total of 51 patients with traumatic intracranial bleeds were recruited in the study with a male: female ratio of 24.5:1. Results: Subdural (29.4%) and Intra-cerebral (29.4%) hematomas were the commonest among these patients. Intra-ventricular bleeds (2%) were the least common. On the basis of chronicity, Acute Subdural hematomas (64.7%) were the commonest, while subacute subdural hematomas (5.9%) were the least common. Assaults (33.3%) and Road Traffic Accidents (27.5%) were the leading causes among aetiology, while bomb blasts (2%) were the least. Conclusion: Acute subdural hematomas are the commonest traumatic intracranial bleeds. Further, assaults and road traffic accidents account for the leading causes of traumatic intracranial bleeds. Specific interventions based on findings of this study will guide clinicians in the care of these patients and form entry points for further clinical studies