Outcome of Traumatic Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematomas

Objective: To present our experience in the management and outcome of posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH).Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive study, conducted in Head injury unit Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from December 2009 to October 2012. All patients having traumatic posterior fossa extradural hematoma confirmed on CT Brain were included in this study. The information regarding patient demographical details, clinical presentation, operative finding and post operative follow-up findings were entered into a semi structure Performa. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 17.Results: Out of 41 patients, there were 32 (75.6%) males and 9 (21.9%) females. The age of patients ranged from 5 to 60 years. In this study the mean age was 20.4 years. Majority of patients 17 (41.4%) were in the age range of 21 – 30 years. Pre-operative GCS score were recorded in which most of the patients 21 (51.2%) were in the GCS score 13 – 15. Clinically 33 patients presented with vomiting, 25 with altered level of consciousness, and 29 with headache. Post-operative GCS score were recorded in which 31(75.6%) patients were in the GCS score 13 – 15, 9 (21.9%) patients were in the GCS score 9 – 12 and 1 (2.43%) patient was in the GCS score 3 – 8. Conclusion: CT scan brain should be immediately done if there is even little doubt of posterior fossa extra-dural haematoma (PFEDH). Posterior fossa creniectomy has got good results. Mortality and morbidity can be decreased in PFEDHs if they are diagnosed earlier and promptly treated