Short Stay Head Injuries and the Accident and Emergency Department

Abstract

Objective: To examine the aetiology and outcome of patients admitted to the Accident and Emergency Short Stay ward with a head injury. Method: Prospective, observational, hospital based cohort study with 8 week follow up. This was conducted in the Accident and Emergency Department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. The subjects studied were all patients admitted to the Short Stay ward with a head injury. Results: 78 patients returned usable replies at 8 weeks, a response rate of 37.3%. Falls (55.1%) and assaults (20.5%) were the main cause of admission. Alcohol was involved in 58.1% of falls and 75% of assaults. Post Concussion Symptoms were more frequently associated with those under forty years old and those who had been assaulted. Post Head Injury scores were highest in those under forty seven years and associated with assault. Conclusion: The identification of specific groups, who have higher Post Concussion and Post Head Injury scores, allows possible intervention prior to leaving hospital to try and reduce morbidity. A follow up study assessing intervention by a coping strategy is now under way.