title: Biomechanics and head injury outcome.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sabhesan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Natarajan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001519:Behavior; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003071:Cognition; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged