Neurocognitive Disorders in Mild Head Trauma: Casablanca Experience

Abstract

Background: Mild head trauma (MHT) is defined as loss of consciousness of less than 30 minutes, GCS> 13, post-traumatic amnesia duration of less than 24 hours. The aim of our study is to analyze all the neurological and psychological consequences of MHT Methods: We carried out a prospective study on 40 cases of mild head trauma in the neurosurgical diagnostic center of Ibn Rochd Hospital Casablanca over a period of 4 months. Results: The average age was 30 years, with 70% male predominance. At the time of the accident, more than 50% were in professional activity. Road accidents represent 78% of the causes. Hemorrhagic contusion was found in 35% of cases, epidural hematoma in 27%, and only 20% without any radiological abnormalities. The neuropsychiatric sequelae most frequently found are irritability in 92%, followed by headache and restlessness in 90% of cases, rapid mood changes in 87.5%, rapid fatigue, intolerance to noise and light, dizziness as well as memory disorders and sleep disorders are frequent. Patients with hemorrhagic contusions have heavier sequelae, a close relationship was observed between the sequelae of MHT and the disappearance of friendly relations in more than 50% of our patients, as well as the job loss. In 45% of patients, with a marked decline in leisure activities and sports practice. Conclusion: MHT is a frequent pathology, with a good evolution but sometimes heavy and underestimated neuropsychiatric sequelae. The legal implications are important and lack specificity and the cost is enormous.