Research Article

Management of Children's Head Trauma in the Neurosurgery Department of the Gabriel Toure University Hospital (Bamako)

Authors: AGALY H, Cissé BS, Kanikomo D.

DOI: 10.33425/2836-3647.1031

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Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death in young people, particularly children, and can also lead to disabilities, sometimes debilitating, in survivors.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of traumatic brain injuries in children.Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over 12 months (December 2020 to November 2022) in the neurosurgery department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital. All 202 hospitalized children's medical records were reviewed. Data related to epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics were analyzed. Results: The average age of the children was 7.5 years, with a range from 2 months to 15 years. The sex ratio was 2:1. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause, accounting for 38.1% of cases (11-15). On admission, 69.8% of cases had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 13 and 15. Seizures were observed in 17.8% of cases, and motor deficits in 44.1%. Cerebral contusion was the most frequent injury, occurring in 42.9% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 24.8% of cases. Depressed skull fracture release was the most common surgical technique, used in 33% of cases. The mortality rate was 3.5%. Conclusion: Head injuries are common in children in Mali. Road traffic accidents and falls are the main causes. The outcome depends on the GCS score on admission.

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