Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a primary health challenge in Nigeria and globally, with road traffic accidents (RTA) being the major cause. Computed tomography (CT) is the preferred imaging modality for the diagnosis and management of head injury.


Objective: This study evaluated the radiologic patterns of cranial CT findings among patients who presented with head injury at a private radiology facility in Warri, Delta State, Southern Nigeria.


Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study reviewed 474 completed cranial CT reports of patients with head injury between January 1st, 2021 and December 31st, 2025. Data on age, gender, clinical features, cause of injury, and cranial CT findings were recorded for each subject.


Results: The study population comprised 309 males (65.2%) and 165 females (34.8%), with a mean age of 37.26 ± 19.8years. The most predominant age group was the 21–30 years age bracket. Road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for 70.9% of head injuries. Scalp injury was the most common presenting feature, followed by headaches and loss of consciousness. Majority of the Cranial CT scans were abnormal, with skull fractures (27.2%), intracranial haematomas (21.7%) and cerebral contusions (20.7%) being the predominant findings. Multiple craniofacial fractures were common, predominantly affecting the right side. A significant association was observed between the presence of skull fractures and all types of intracranial
haematomas (p < 0.001).



Conclusion: The study concluded that head injury predominantly affected young adult males in Warri, Delta State, with RTA being the primary cause.