Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Pattern of fatal head injuries due to vehicular accidents in Mangalore
Anand Menon1, Vishwas K Pai, A Rajeev
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore 575001, Karnataka, India. anandski@rediffmail.com
Abstract:
Head injury is an important cause of mortality worldwide as the head is the most vulnerable part of the body involved in fatal road traffic accidents. The present study was undertaken on 682 victims of road traffic accidents who died due to injuries sustained to the head, which were autopsied at District Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore over a period of 5 years between January 1999 and December 2003. Most of the accidents had taken place during the afternoon and evening hours (1400-2200 h). There was a marked male preponderance (84.6%). The most vulnerable age group was found to be between 21 and 30 years. Two wheeler occupants were most commonly involved. Skull fractures were present in 88.88% of the cases. Fractures of the vault were found in 88%, base of the skull in 35.97% and a combination of both in 35% of cases. In most of the cases, fissured fractures were found (23%). Among intra-cranial haemorrhages, subdural haemorrhage was found in 52.63% and subarachnoid haemorrhage in 27.27% of cases. Contusions and lacerations of brain were found equally in 35% of cases.
Insights
Head injuries from road traffic accidents are a major cause of death. This study found that young males, particularly two-wheeler occupants, are most at risk, with skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhages being common findings.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Trauma Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Head injury is a significant global cause of mortality, often resulting from road traffic accidents.
- The head's vulnerability makes it susceptible to fatal injuries during vehicular incidents.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the patterns of fatal head injuries in road traffic accident victims.
- To identify demographic and injury characteristics associated with head trauma mortality.
- To provide data for targeted road safety interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective autopsy analysis of 682 fatal road traffic accident victims.
- Data collected over a 5-year period (1999-2003) at District Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore.
- Inclusion criteria focused on deaths due to head injuries.
Main Results:
- The majority of accidents occurred during afternoon and evening hours (1400-2200 h).
- A significant male predominance (84.6%) and a peak incidence in the 21-30 age group were observed.
- Two-wheeler occupants were the most frequently involved group, with 88.88% experiencing skull fractures, predominantly fissured fractures.
- Intracranial hemorrhages, including subdural (52.63%) and subarachnoid (27.27%), and brain contusions/lacerations (35%) were common.
Conclusions:
- Road traffic accidents pose a substantial risk for fatal head injuries, particularly affecting young males and two-wheeler riders.
- The high prevalence of skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhages underscores the severity of these injuries.
- Findings highlight the need for enhanced road safety measures, especially for vulnerable road users.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction