A study conducted by Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has revealed that over 70% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in India are caused by two-wheeler accidents, with an alarming finding, less than 1% of patients involved in these crashes were wearing helmets at the time.
Published on Friday, the study analyzed data from patients admitted to the hospital over six and a half years (March 2013 to September 2019). The findings gain significance considering that in 2023 alone, 77,539 two-wheeler riders lost their lives in road accidents, accounting for nearly 45% of all road fatalities in India. The study also highlighted a rising trend in two-wheeler occupant deaths over the past decade.
Researchers identified 3,172 patients with TBI who were admitted during the trial; 84% of them were male. According to the study, only 13 (0.6%) of the 2,259 (71%) injured patients in two-wheeler traffic collisions wore helmets. Additionally, around one-third of the patients reported alcohol consumption.
Less common causes of injuries included falls (307 cases), pedestrian-vehicle accidents (278 cases), and four-wheeler road traffic accidents (163 cases).
1,093 patients were moved from a referring hospital, and the median time from injury to arrival at the emergency room was three hours. About 33% of patients had moderate injuries, 968 patients had severe injuries, and 1,162 patients (37%) had mild injuries.
In three to nine months, the total mortality rate was 540 (17%), despite 174 (5%) inpatient fatalities. Among the inpatient mortalities, 82 died within two days of admission, 108 within four days, and 147 within eight days.
31% of patients were unable to pay for their hospital stays, and only about 4% of patients had health insurance. The average hospital expenditure was Rs 35,850 and the average patient expenditure was Rs 28,900.
The study is conducted in collaboration with researchers from Cambridge University, the Neurological Sciences Department of CMC, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The findings reinforce the urgent need for stricter helmet laws, improved road safety awareness, and better access to healthcare and insurance for accident victims.
