Global outcome in acute phase of treatment following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury from motor vehicle collisions vs assaults.

PRIMARY

OBJECTIVE

To compare socio-demographic, medical characteristics and acute outcomes between patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from motor vehicle collision (MVC) or assault in an acute care setting.

RESEARCH

DESIGN

This descriptive, comparative retrospective cohort study included 415 patients with moderate and severe TBI secondary to an assault (n¼91) vs a motor vehicle collision (n=324).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Outcome measures were length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit and in hospital, Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E), FIM® instrument (‘FIM’) and discharge destination.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND

RESULTS

Patients with TBI from MVC had a higher percentage of polytrauma, higher injury severity scores, required more orthopaedic surgeries and thoracic drain insertions. Patients with TBI from assault were more often non-Caucasian, young single men, less educated with higher unemployment rates and criminal records, with a history of alcohol and drug abuse and were more often intoxicated on admission. There was no significant group difference in the LOS and FIM ratings, but patients with assault-related TBI were more often discharged home and had a more favourable GOS-E.

CONCLUSION

Variables such as injury severity, age, level of intoxication on admission and presence of surgeries should be considered when determining acute outcome.