Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is seen most common in geriatric patients, and trauma is the most important reason for CSDH. Operative treatment of CSDH in symptomatic patients is yet the gold standard of therapy because it allows decompression of the subdural space and aids improvement in neurological status. Burr-hole craniostomy is the most common accepted treatment for CSDH. There is still controversy regarding which type of drain placement is best in the outcome: subdural or subgaleal drain. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of subgaleal versus subdural drain in surgically treated patients of CSDH. Materials and Methods: Patients were assigned by simple random sampling in two groups. The study was conducted from February 2016 to July 2017. A total of 70 patients were enrolled into the study and were divided in two groups (Group 1 – Subgaleal drain; Group 2 – Subdural drain). Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square and t -test. Outcome was assessed at the end of hospital stay by modified Rankin scale. Postoperative computed tomography scan was done after 24 h of surgery. Results: This study concluded that both types of drains are equally effective for the treatment of CSDH. There is a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of seizure in both the groups as there was no seizure in subgaleal drain group compared to 5 (14.3%) patients who had seizures postoperatively in subdural drain group ( P = 0.020). There was insignificant difference with respect to preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale/sex/preoperative hematoma volume/postoperative hematoma volume/preoperative midline shift. Conclusion: Subgaleal drain is safe and technically easy, as subgaleal drain has no direct contact with brain parenchyma, thus less chances of brain laceration, intracerebral hematoma formation, and seizures.

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Background: Post traumatic seizures (PTS) are a known sequel of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Incidence of PTS is dependent on many factors including study design and characteristics of the study population. As incidence of TBI increases and death due to TBI decreases, more individuals will be at risk of developing and living with chronic complications. The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency and risk factors for PTS following TBI. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients admitted with TBI from April 1, 2019, to May 31, 2020, to determine the frequency, time to event, and risk factors for PTS following TBI. We classified the severity of head injury using a standard criterion, into mild, moderate and severe injury. Follow-up of 3 months was undertaken for all patients. Variables include age, sex, trauma severity, Glasgow coma scale, onset of PTS, and neuroradiological finding. Results: We enrolled 450 post traumatic subjects, out of which 36 (8%) developed seizures. Of the total of 36 patients detected to have hemorrhagic contusion on computerized tomography scan, 12 patients developed seizures. We found that the independent risk factors associated with occurrence of PTS were frontal— temporal lobar contusion and severity of head injury. All these findings were statistically significant. Conclusion: We found that the independent risk factors associated with occurrence of PTS were frontal-temporal lobar contusion and severity of head injury. Type of management (Operative vs. Non operative) does not affect the outcome of PTS.

INTRODUCTION: The overall incidence of bacterial brain abscess has remained relatively constant despite improved treatment of underlying systemic infections and development of more effective antibiotics. The systemic antibiotics are generally given for 6-8 weeks. The Choice of surgery varies from stereotactic aspiration /open surgical method including twist drill aspiration, burr hole aspiration with or without drainage, small craniectomy with aspiration and drainage to craniotomy and excision of abscess. The purpose of this article is to share authors’ experience regarding clinico epidemiological profile of brain abscess. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total 30 patients with brain abscess who presented to the Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER Dr. RML Hospital Delhi, from November 2016 to April 2018 analyzed for clinical, epidemiological, microbiological profile of brain abscess patients along with modes of treatment and their outcome. RESULTS: Total 30 patients of Brain Abscess were evaluated with males outnumbering females. Predominated symptoms were fever (96.7%), headache (83.3%) and nausea and vomiting (40%). The chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) was predominately underlying factor in 18 patients i.e. (60%) and commonest organism isolated was streptococcus pneumonia (66.6%) followed by streptococcus Milleri (33.33%). The length of hospital stay was longer in aspiration group {21.2 days (SD ± 4.1)} compared to excision group {13 days (SD ± 1.1)}. Total 20 (66.7%) patients survived, 2 (6.7%) patients died and 8 (26.7%) were lost to follow up. CONCLUSION: Majority of time there is an underlying factor for brain abscess. The treatment of brain abscess involves both medical and surgical modalities. Third generation cephalosporins and metronidazole are the most commonly used antimicrobial agents in the treatment of brain abscesses. The length of hospital stay in excision group was less as compared to medical group and aspiration group.

Traumatic stab injury/wounds to the brain are rare type of injuries having fatal outcomes. In the present case report, we report a case of a 17-year-old male who presented to the accident and emergency department of our hospital with an alleged history of assault due to a vegetable cutting knife with the knife lying in the right temporal region. In these types of injuries, no attempt should be made to remove the weapon without adequate investigations and facilities as it can be fatal. While removing the weapon, care should be taken that there is no rocking or zigzag movement and the weapon should be retrieved back from the same trajectory. The underlying principles in these types of cases include thorough debridement of the wound with removal of dead tissue with no rocking movement while retrieving the weapon. The wound should be thoroughly closed to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak.