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LEFT-HANDEDNESS AS A RISK FACTOR FOR HEAD INJURIES
Abstract
Objective: To study prevalence of left-handedness among traumatic patients with head
injuries.
Design: A case-control study.
Setting: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.
Subjects: One hundred and sixty three traumatic patients newly admitted to a surgical ward
at Queen Elizabeth Central Ifospital, Blantyre during one month period with exception of
patients with arm injury, severe injury and confused patients.
Main outcome measures: Maximal grip strength of both hands, questionnaire on hand
preferred for eight habitual activities.
Results: The overall prevalence of left-handers determined on the basis of bilateral
asymmetry in maximal grip strength was non-significantlg higher in traumatic than in the
control group. Relative to the control group, lefties were over-represented among victims of
head injury, while prevalence of left-handers among patients with leg and trunk injuries and
among controls was similar. Left-handed patients were more likely to sustain head traumas
during fighting, road transport accidents and sport activities. Possible reasons for increased
level of traumatisation among sinistrals are discussed.
Conclusion: Left-handedness is a risk factor for head injuries obtained during confrontational activities. Therefore, left handers should avoid such type of behaviour in order to reduce traumatisation rate.
injuries.
Design: A case-control study.
Setting: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.
Subjects: One hundred and sixty three traumatic patients newly admitted to a surgical ward
at Queen Elizabeth Central Ifospital, Blantyre during one month period with exception of
patients with arm injury, severe injury and confused patients.
Main outcome measures: Maximal grip strength of both hands, questionnaire on hand
preferred for eight habitual activities.
Results: The overall prevalence of left-handers determined on the basis of bilateral
asymmetry in maximal grip strength was non-significantlg higher in traumatic than in the
control group. Relative to the control group, lefties were over-represented among victims of
head injury, while prevalence of left-handers among patients with leg and trunk injuries and
among controls was similar. Left-handed patients were more likely to sustain head traumas
during fighting, road transport accidents and sport activities. Possible reasons for increased
level of traumatisation among sinistrals are discussed.
Conclusion: Left-handedness is a risk factor for head injuries obtained during confrontational activities. Therefore, left handers should avoid such type of behaviour in order to reduce traumatisation rate.
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