Brain Injuries and Facial Fractures: A Prospective Study of Incidence of Head Injury Associated with Maxillofacial Trauma

Background: Presence of head injuries in patients with maxillofacial trauma is a lifethreatening condition. Prompt determination of head injury in these patients is crucial for improving patient survival and recovery. Hence, the need to know about the incidence of head injuries associated with maxillofacial trauma becomes an important aspect. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Patient with head injuries associated with maxillofacial fractures was accounted to determine the incidence and pattern of head injuries accompanying maxillofacial trauma. They were evaluated for epidemiological demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: The present study had 91% predominance of male patients with age ranging from 1 to 75 years. 91% cases were as a result of RTA. The most frequent maxillofacial injury represented was the fractured mandible. The incidence of head injuries associated with maxillofacial trauma was 67 %. Among all the patterns of head injuries, concussion was the most common head injury associated with maxillofacial trauma. Conclusion: In our study, the risk of head injury increased significantly as the Glasgow Coma Scale score decreased and with increase in the number of facial fractures. There was association between head injury and maxillofacial trauma. © 2018, The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India.