Effects of the use of helmets on motorcycles in case of head trauma at the Immaculate Conception District Hospital, Caaguazú, 2024-2025

Abstract

Cranial trauma is an injury to the skull usually caused by a strong blow to the head, and it can lead to symptoms such as loss of consciousness and/or memory, mental confusion, or headache, and in some cases, severe brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health problem that affects motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions; it is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the primary cause of death among people aged 15 to 45. Motorcyclists are at high risk in traffic accidents, particularly of suffering traumatic brain injuries. A review of studies concluded that helmets reduce the risk of TBI by approximately 69% and the risk of death by around 42%. This was a descriptive, quantitative, non-experimental study, with probabilistic sampling. 37 patients participated, and data were extracted from their medical records to complete a questionnaire specifically designed and validated for this purpose. The data revealed that most affected patients were young men between 18 and 35 years old, who were riding motorcycles without wearing helmets at the time of the accident. There was a high incidence of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, with the main consequences being temporary loss of consciousness, neurological deficits, and prolonged hospitalization. The use of helmets significantly reduces the severity of traumatic brain injuries in motorcyclists. The results highlight the urgent need to strengthen awareness campaigns and enforce mandatory helmet use policies as preventive measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these types of accidents.