J Korean Neurotraumatol Soc.  2009 Dec;5(2):93-98. 10.13004/jknts.2009.5.2.93.

Clinical Features of Mild Head Injury in the Elderly

• Lee YB

• KMID: 1427365
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/jknts.2009.5.2.93

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
In the case of mild head injuries, patients are generally expected to make a full recovery; however, for seniors, the prognosis is often less favorable. Therefore, this study will investigate clinical features and prognosis of mild head injury in patients who are 65 and older.
METHODS
Between March 2006 to February 2008, a total of 76 elderly patients were admitted with a head injury and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of between 13 and 15. Retrospective analysis was performed based on the patients' age, gender, cause of injury, medical history, CT diagnosis, GCS score at the time of admittance and clinical outcome.
RESULTS
CT scan revealed abnormal findings in 38 cases (50%), and of those 12 cases showed acute subdural hematoma and 11 cases showed hemorrhagic contusion. When initial GCS scores and CT scans were examined, lower GCS scores were more likely to have abnormal CT scans, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.005). When initial GCS scores and the patient outcome were examined, lower GCS scores correlated with adverse outcomes, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.047).
CONCLUSION
Initial CT scans revealed abnormal findings in 50% of the patients, which demonstrates the need for a mandatory CT scans and follow up observations, even for elderly patients who initially do not display loss of consciousness. In addition, aggressive therapy is especially crucial in cases with abnormal initial CT findings to minimize morbidity and mortality in elderly patients.

Keyword

Elderly; Mild head injury; CT scan; Falling; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Contusions
Craniocerebral Trauma
Follow-Up Studies
Glasgow Coma Scale
Head
Hematoma, Subdural, Acute
Humans
Prognosis
Retrospective Studies
Unconsciousness

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