The effect of alcohol on incidence, pattern, severity and outcome from traumatic brain injury

Alcohol consumption is known to be a major contributing factor for the occurrence of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in both developed and developing countries. It also influences diagnosis, management and recovery from TBIs, subsequent to injury occurrence. The present report examines the association of alcohol in injury occurrence, and its impact on severity and outcome from TBIs. Subjects were identified from 7 major hospitals in the city of Bangalore, India with data collection undertaken by standardised methods. Alcohol users (n = 243) and non-users (n = 1310) were compared on various characteristics and injury details. Sixteen per cent of the injured patients were intoxicated at the time of hospital registration. While the incidence of road traffic injuries was similar in both the groups, falls were higher in the alcohol user group. Evening-and night-time consumption of alcohol was a major risk factor for injuries. Drivers and occupants of motorised two wheeler vehicles, and pedestrians were involved in crashes to a greater extent among alcohol users. Severity of brain injuries (based on Glasgow coma scale), duration of hospital stay, death and post-traumatic disabilities among alcohol users were significantly higher compared with non-users. With the emergence of injuries and alcohol as twin major public health problems, immediate efforts are required to reduce the burden in developing societies. Legislative and enforcement strategies along with education developed on epidemiological, clinical and public health research need to be co-ordinated, target oriented, visible and with stiffer penalties for achieving desired results.