Concurrence of Intracranial Injuries with Facial Trauma: A Retrospective Nationwide Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The current literature exploring the association between facial and intracranial injuries is limited, as it primarily focuses on the association with facial fractures. This study aims to broaden the epidemiologic association between facial and intracranial trauma by expanding the scope of studied facial injuries. The secondary aim of this study will be to identify the most common setting of injury, diagnosis, and mechanism of injury. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, which captures consumer goods-related injuries, was queried from 2019 to 2021. Inclusion criteria included encounters with cranial, facial, and both cranial and facial injuries. Outcome variables included the number of encounters, diagnosis, location of injury, associated consumer products, and patient disposition. Predictor variables included patient demographic information. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and all analyses were done on weighted national estimates. Results: A total of 10 939 340 weighted encounters were analyzed. Facial injuries had concurrent cranial injuries in approximately 1 in 4 encounters, and cranial injuries had concurrent facial injuries in approximately 1 in 6 encounters. Intracranial head injuries occurred with lower acuity facial injuries and without facial fractures in 91.1% of the encounters. The most common location across all groups was at home (66.9%), and building structures (28.8%) were the most common products resulting in injury. Conclusion: There is an understudied burden of associated intracranial injuries with lower acuity facial trauma across all ages, specifically in the home setting. Thus, in evaluating facial trauma, providers should consistently assess for potential head trauma, even when not immediately evident.