Extensive full thickness scalp laceration and traumatic brain injury in a patient who was involved in a motorcycle accident (head on collision with a truck). He was under the influence of alcohol on the night of New Year’s Eve in Morocco. Motorcyclists are at an especially high risk of suffering head injuries in an accident because of the relative lack of protection compared to drivers of passenger vehicles. In such cases, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death; and wearing a helmet is arguably the most important preventative measure for preventing motorcycle brain injury, aside from the alcohol part which cannot be stressed more than it already is. Patients usually present with a combination of reduced Glasgow Coma Scale, nausea/vomiting and/or amnesia, as well as a large haematoma with significant mass effect that required urgent neurosurgical evacuation. Photo by @dr.bengi
