Analysis of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury associated with skull base fracture: a local tertiary center experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major medical and social concern in developing countries. TBI-related morbidity and mortality statistics in Egypt are lacking and do not reflect the actual magnitude of the problem. Objectives To overview the incidence of moderate and severe head trauma in a heavily populated developing country and document the outcome of moderate and severe TBI associated with skull base fracture (SBF). Methodology Data of patients admitted to our center with moderate and severe TBI associated with skull base fracture (SBF) were reviewed in the period between January 2019 and March 2023. Results The most common type of trauma was road traffic accidents in 54.2% of the patients; 91.2% had Single SBF (middle cranial fossa fracture was predominant 58.5%). 25.5% had an initial GCS of ≤ 8. Periorbital ecchymosis was the most common presenting sign in 36.3%. The most frequent complication (37.3%) was pneumocephalus. The presence of skull base fracture inversely affected the Glasgow outcome scale extended GOSE (P = 0.001, r = 0.674). Higher initial GCS scores were positively correlated with good GOSE (GOSE) (P = 0.001, r =− 0.222). Conclusions RTA represents a significant cause for moderate and severe TBI in young male population. SBF is associated with poor outcome in moderate and severe TBI. Higher initial GCS score was positively correlated with good GOSE. It is important to have an overview of different types of TBI in Egypt.

Keywords

• TBI
• Moderate and severe
• Outcome
• Skull base fracture
• Predictors