Computed tomography features of head injury in Ghanaian children

Abstract

Background: Injuries to the head are common in children. There are several reports in literature of head injury and evaluation with computed tomography scan (CT scan) but only a few focus on children.


Method: A retrospective review of films and reports of the CT scans of 41 children with head injury.


Results: Positive CT findings were noted in 19 (46.3%). Road traffic accident was found to be the commonest cause of injury with the highest incidence in the 5 – 9 year age group. Cranial fractures were the commonest (73.68%) CT findings especially in the frontal and parietal bones. Intracranial haemorrgage was outlined in 47.37%. In classifying the extent of head injury type 3 with intracranial injury alone occurred most (58.8%). Extraparenchymal haemorrages occurred more in 69.2% than the intracerebral variety (30.8%) Hydrocaphalus and cerebral oedema were also reported.


Conclusion: CT scan provides accurate non-invasive diagnosis of fractures, intracranial haemorrhages and other sequale of head injury. However, it should be done only when clinically indicated to reduce cost and avoid unnecessary irradiation


Key words: Head injury, computed tomography children


Nig. J. of Surgical Research Vol.4(3-4) 2002: 84-88