Biomechanics and head injury outcome

On the basis of biomechanical principles, common head injuries can be classified into acceleration injuries characterised by a predominant diffuse cerebral injury and contact injuries characterised by a predominant focal injury. In a follow-up of 174 head injured patients, it was found that patients with acceleration injuries evinced a longer duration of coma, lengthier post-traumatic amnesia, and less number of skull fractures. Organic behaviour syndromes were seen mostly in acceleration injuries. During the prospective follow-up of 141 patients for a period of 18 months, there were differences in cognitive recovery. But, late behaviour changes and psychosocial outcome were not different in both groups.