When the Disease is Known but the Patient is not. Outcome of 118 such Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

This is a prospective study, carried out at the Department of Neurosurgery at M.B.G Hospital, R.N.T Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan (India). Many patients with history of trauma with head injury, whose identity cannot be ascertained, are admitted in our hospital. The management of these unattended patients from pre-hospital till discharge, rehabilitation or death is full of difficulties especially when surgical intervention has to be done. From March 16, 2015, until March 30, 2016, 118 consecutive patients unattended patients admitted in our department with history of head injury were enrolled in the study. Out of 118 patients, 107 (91%) were male, most were in the age group of 30-39 years. In majority of patients, 115 (97%) principal cause of head injury was road traffic accident. Majority of the patients 49 (41%) had Glasgow coma scale >13 on admission. Twenty three patients 23 (20%) died in hospital, 71 (60%) patients had good recovery. During the course of treatment identity of 115 patients was established and 92 (78%) patients, who survived were discharged to home. Three (3%) patients were shifted to destitute home. All discharged patients were followed at 1 month and 6 month interval. 78 (82%) & 76 (80%) patients showed good recovery (GOS) at 1 month & 6 month respectively. One patient expired at home within one month of discharge and 6 patients lost to follow up at 6 months.