KOCHI: Kerala’s roads are becoming a major source of neurosurgical emergencies. Unlike other injuries, a head injury can result in long-term disability or death.
A study in northern Kerala highlighted that a staggering number of road accident victims are two-wheeler drivers. And a large percentage of them were not wearing a helmet. This failure to use a basic safety device transforms a survivable crash into a life-altering or fatal event.
Trauma care
The immediate care provided to a head injury victim is critical. Delay of even a few minutes can significantly worsen the outcome. The standard of care for a severe head injury typically involves a multi-pronged approach:
Pre-hospital care: This begins at the accident site with first responders and the public. Proper handling and transport of the patient are crucial to prevent further damage.
Emergency diagnosis: A CT scan is the first step to identify internal bleeding, swelling, or skull fractures.
Surgical interventions: Depending on the severity, surgical procedures are sometimes necessary. Common interventions include:
Craniotomy: To remove a part of the skull to relieve pressure from the brain caused by swelling or a blood clot (hematoma).
Evacuation of Hematoma: Removes blood clot on the brain. This is often the difference between a good recovery and permanent disability.
Craniectomy: Similar to a craniotomy, here a piece of the skull is removed and not immediately replaced, allowing the swollen brain to expand.
An emergency
These head injuries is not just a law-and-order issue; it’s a public health emergency. And the solution needs a collaborative effort.
Awareness: Campaigns for helmet and seatbelt usage.
Enforcement: Strict enforcement of traffic laws.
Infrastructure: Better road design.
By treating road safety with urgency, we can prevent a significant number of catastrophic head injuries.
The author is a senior consultant of neurosurgery at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly