Neurotrauma Care: A Pakistani Perspective

Dear editor,

Neurotrauma is a medical condition that occurs due to an injury to the brain or spinal cord. In Pakistan, neurotrauma care is a significant concern due to a high incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from road traffic accidents, falls, and violence.[1] According to a recent study, Pakistan had 81 TBI cases per 100,000 population, with a 15% fatality rate.[2] TBI is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the country, with an estimated 600,000 cases reported each year. However, despite the high incidence of TBI, neurotrauma care in Pakistan remains inadequate, and there is a need to improve the quality and accessibility of services.

In Pakistan, the management of neurotrauma is challenging due to a lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and resources. Most of the patients with neurotrauma are referred to tertiary care centers for specialized treatment, but these centers are limited in number and are mainly located in major cities. The lack of adequate transport systems and long distances to these centers result in delayed treatment, which often exacerbates the patient's condition and increases the risk of mortality.

The availability of trained personnel is another significant challenge in neurotrauma care. In Pakistan, there is a shortage of neurosurgeons, and those available are concentrated in urban centers. This concentration of specialists makes it challenging for patients in remote and rural areas to access specialized care. Additionally, the lack of trained personnel in emergency departments and critical care units further limits the quality of care provided to patients with neurotrauma.

The resources available for neurotrauma care in Pakistan are also limited. There is a shortage of essential medical equipment, such as ventilators, monitors, and imaging equipment, which are critical for the diagnosis and treatment of neurotrauma patients. This lack of equipment is particularly acute in rural areas, where even basic medical supplies are scarce. The shortage of resources further limits the ability of medical professionals to provide quality care to patients with neurotrauma.

Another significant challenge in neurotrauma care in Pakistan is the lack of public awareness and education.[3] Due to the lack of awareness, many patients do not seek medical attention immediately after sustaining an injury. This delay in seeking treatment often exacerbates the patient's condition, leading to higher mortality and morbidity rates. Additionally, the lack of education among the general public regarding the management and prevention of neurotrauma increases the incidence of these injuries.

Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to improve neurotrauma care in Pakistan. One such initiative is the establishment of neurotrauma centers across the country. These centers provide specialized care to patients with neurotrauma and help to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas. The centers are equipped with specialized medical equipment and staffed with trained personnel, including neurosurgeons, intensivists, and emergency medicine specialists.

Additionally, training programs for medical professionals have been initiated to improve their knowledge and skills in the management of neurotrauma. These training programs cover topics such as the diagnosis and management of TBI, critical care management, and neurosurgical procedures. The aim is to equip medical professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage neurotrauma patients effectively.

Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to improve the knowledge of the general public regarding the prevention and management of neurotrauma. These campaigns focus on educating the public about the importance of wearing helmets while riding motorcycles, following traffic rules, and seeking medical attention immediately after sustaining an injury.

In conclusion, neurotrauma care in Pakistan faces several challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and resources. However, efforts are being made to improve the quality and accessibility of services, including the establishment of specialized neurotrauma centers, training programs for medical professionals, and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives are critical to improving the management and prevention of neurotrauma in Pakistan.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

• References

• 1 Umerani MS, Abbas A, Sharif S. Traumatic brain injuries: experience from a tertiary care centre in Pakistan. Turk Neurosurg 2014; 24 (01) 19-24
• 2 Zafar S, Shahzadi U, Abdul Rehman S, Khurshid U, Bashir F, Khurshid Z. Effect of nursing guidelines on practices of nurses caring for traumatic brain injury patients in a tertiary care hospital Lahore, Pakistan: nursing guidelines on practices of nurses caring for traumatic brain injury patients. Pakistan J Health Sci 2022; 3 (05) 91-94
• 3 Bhatti J, Stevens K, Mir M, Hyder AA, Razzak J. Emergency care of traumatic brain injuries in Pakistan: a multicenter study. BMC Emerg Med 2015; 15 (Suppl 2): S12

Publication History

Article published online:
13 July 2023