Management of head injuries at the Abu Hospital, Zaria

From 1971 to 1980 in Zaria which is situated at the confluence of four major motor roads, 890 patients with head injuries were managed by general surgeons and their trainees. A review of 600 clinical records showed that 80% of the injuries resulted from road traffic accidents; 38% of the patients belonged in the third decade; 82% were males and extremity fractures were associated in 124 patients. Consciousness was not regained by 90 of the 464 patients who lost consciousness during their illness. Bur holes were placed in 254 and intracranial haematomas were evacuated in 180. Overall mortality was 29%.