NSI’s multilingual manual to help caregivers of patients with head injuries, ET HealthWorld
New Delhi: To address the challenges faced by home caregivers and family members taking care of patients with head injuries, the Neurological Society of India (NSI) created a comprehensive, multilingual illustrated manual with step-by-step instructions to simplify the task.
Head trauma continues to be a major contributor to death and disability in India. Doctors at AIIMS trauma centre report that some patients pass away after a year due to a lack of proper rehabilitation services.
A study conducted at AIIMS Trauma Centre by Prof Deepak Gupta, a Neurosurgeon from JPN apex trauma centre, AIIMS, Delhi, with results published in 2016, showed a progressive rise in death rates during follow-up periods amongst patients with severe head injuries. The study documented mortality rates beginning at 24% upon discharge, which increased to 29% after three months, further rising to 34% at six months, and ultimately reaching 36% at twelve months.
Among those who survived, additional mortality rates were observed: 6.6% of patients died between discharge and three months, whilst 6.4% passed away between three to six months. A further 3.1% of survivors from previous periods succumbed between six to twelve months.
Prof Gupta highlighted concerns about poor recovery amongst head trauma survivors post-discharge, attributing it to limited rehabilitation facilities and support.
Dr Daljit Singh, Professor Neurosurgery, GB Pant Hospital and President of NSI, explained that the handbook includes illustrated guidance for tracheostomy care, Ryles tube feeding, urinary catheter maintenance, skin care, pressure ulcer prevention, exercise routines, DVT prevention, and advice on nutrition and medication management.
Medical experts suggest that this guidebook will reduce health complications linked to non-professional care of immobile patients by home caregivers. This strategy will reduce treatment expenses while enabling families to deliver care more effectively.
Available in 12 Indian languages, the handbook is designed for accessibility and ease of understanding, aiming to support and educate caregivers.
According to the Towards Improved Trauma Care Outcomes (TITCO) trauma registry of Indian urban university hospitals, approximately 50% of trauma fatalities relate to brain injuries, suggesting one TBI-related death every three minutes. Annual TBI-related disabilities affect nearly one million Indians.
Experts said that helmet usage remains particularly low amongst Indian women, below 10%. Helmet wearing significantly reduces fatality risks and serious injuries for pillion riders. Children aged 1-5 years frequently suffer injuries from height-related falls (balconies, windows), accounting for over 60% of cases. A Safe Balcony Safe Child initiative was recently introduced to prevent such incidents in children under five years.
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