Turkish Neurosurgery
Perspectives of Turkish Neurosurgeons on Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A National Survey
Serkan Civlan1, Batuhan Bakirarar2, Çağhan Tönge3, Çağrı Elbir3, Emrah Egemen1, Ümit Akın Dere1, Barış Albuz1, Mehmet Erhan Türkoğlu3, Mehmet Erdal Coşkun1, FATİH YAKAR1
1Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Denizli,
2Ado Group, Process Management Coordinator, Antalya,
3Etlik City Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.46658-24.2

Aim:Concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a prevalent condition across all age groups, potentially resulting in intracranial lesions requiring medical treatment or neurosurgical intervention. Several guidelines are available for the initial diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of mTBI. This study aimed to evaluate the adherence to and awareness of current mTBI guidelines among Turkish neurosurgeons.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional electronic survey was administered to all members of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society (n = 1875 neurosurgeons) between January and February 2024. The 208 respondents (11.1%) were categorized based on years of neurosurgery specialization, type of current institution, residency program accreditation, and current institution accreditation.Results:The majority of the participants (66.3%) were employed in Tertiary-level Healthcare (TLH) institutions. In TLH settings, Emergency Medicine Practitioners (EMPs) were primarily responsible for the initial computed tomography (CT) scan for pediatric patients, while this decision was also made by EMPs for adult patients, regardless of years of experience in neurosurgery specialization. Participants enrolled in residencies at accredited institutions were more likely to obtain detailed patient histories. The rates of adherence to current guidelines were comparable across institutions, regardless of their accreditation status.Conclusion:This pioneering study evaluating neurosurgeons’ adherence to and awareness of concussion/mTBI guidelines revealed a uniformity in compliance among Turkish practitioners, irrespective of years of experience, institutional type, or accreditation status.

Corresponding author : FATİH YAKAR