Domestic animal‑related neuro‑trauma: An account, from a tertiary institute

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context: Experience of animal‑related neurotrauma at an apex institute, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. Aims: The aim of this study is to review epidemiology, clinical findings, and outcome of animal‑related traumatic brain injury (TBI) evaluated and treated at our institute. Settings and Design: A retrospective study consisting of demographic data, clinical findings, radiological details, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: The clinical and imaging records of 30 patients treated for animal‑related TBI at the emergency services, from January to July 2010. Outcome was assessed by Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 15.0 version, descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 6190 neurotrauma cases were evaluated and treated during the study period. Among them, 30 (0.48%) were animal‑inflicted injuries. Of these cases, animal‑vehicle collision and directly animal‑inflicted injuries were 15 (50%) each. The mean age of patients were 39.46 (6-71 years). Twenty‑nine (96.66%) cases were from rural areas. Twenty‑three (76.6%) had mild, 6 (20%) had moderate, and 1 (3.3%) had severe head injury (Glasgow coma scale). Four (13.3%) patients had abnormal pupillary reaction. Associated injuries were found in 25 (83.3%) patients. CT scan was abnormal in 50% (15/30), common finding was contusion in 8 (26.6%) patients, followed by edema in 6 (20%). There were 3 (10%) spine injuries, 1 (3.3%) internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection, and 2 (6.6%) brachial plexuses injuries. Three (10%) required surgery, and 1 (3.3%) patient expired. As per the GOS, good recovery was seen in 8 (80%) patients, moderate disability in 1 (10%), and vegetative state in 1 (10%) patient.