STUDY OF OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF HEAD INJURY PATIENTS IN TRAUMA CENTRES & CIVIL HOSPITAL

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. Neha Desai,
# 50, Sarthi Bungalows,
Chandkheda-Kalol Highway,
Chandkheda, Ahmedabad-382424,
Gujarat.
E-mail: dr.neha_desai@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: MATERIAL & METHODS: This randomized, prospective study was carried out on patients of head injury admitted in trauma centre & civil hospital, Ahmedabad over 1 year period. Initially all of them were examined & those with ocular manifestations were included in the study. Detailed history, general examination & ophthalmic examination was done. All patients were examined in follow-up at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months & 6 months. RESULTS: In this study total 454 patients of head injury were seen of which 65 had ophthalmic findings. Out of 65 patients, 53 were male & 12 were female. Most common ophthalmic features were lid edema & ecchymosis & pupillary abnormalities. CT scan was done in 53 patients out of 65 patients. Cranial nerves are affected in descending order of 3rd,6th & 4th. Lateral rectus palsy does not have lateralising value in all cases. Ocular complications are frequent in orbital fractures. Papilloedema is sign of marked raised ICT was present in 14 patients. DISCUSSION: Males were affected more 53 out of 65 than females 12 out of 65 which corresponded with high no. of head injury in male mainly because of more no. of vehicular accidents & assault. Ophthalmic findings were associated most commonly with frontal region injury. Most common findings in severe head trauma were dilated non-reacting pupils, papilloedema & cranial nerve palsies. CONCLUSION: Majority of ocular findings help in diagnosis & confirmation of intracranial lesion & localizing the side & site. Mortality is higher in cases with ophthalmic manifestation than in general head injury.
KEYWORDS: Head injury, ophthalmic features, road traffic accidents.