Delayed Diagnosis of Intracranial Trauma

Abstract

Introduction Trauma is one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization in the United States. Head trauma often results in significant morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to identify reasons for delay in diagnosis of intracranial trauma. Methods This retrospective study analyzed patients with intracranial trauma between 2016 and 2022, in which there was a delay of two days or more from the date of injury to the date of diagnosis. Results Among 809 patients with head trauma, 140 subjects were identified with delayed diagnosis of intracranial trauma (17.3%). The most common diagnoses were subdural hemorrhage (N = 82; 56%) and intraparenchymal hemorrhage (N = 33; 24%). The most common reasons for delay in diagnosis included patient delay in seeking care (N = 111; 79%), and delayed diagnosis during inpatient hospitalization (N = 16; 11%) (Chi-Square <0.0001) (Table 2). Among inpatients with delayed diagnosis, confounding issues included alcohol intoxication (N = 4; 3%), other injuries (N = 9; 6%), and mental health issues (N = 2; 1%). Conclusions Among patients with delayed diagnosis of intracranial trauma, the majority of delays in diagnosis were due to patient delay in seeking care. Future directions may include improved public education regarding trauma and the importance of seeking timely medical care.

Keywords: brain trauma injury; diagnosis; emergency; head trauma; trauma.