Objective: To analyse the temporal and spatial characteristics of traumatic brain injury and the distribution of combined injuries in the Wenchuan earthquake, and describe the treatment opportunities and preferences for therapy.
Methods: The diagnosis and treatment of 92 patients with traumatic brain injury who survived the massive earthquake (magnitude 8) in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province, on 12 May 2008 were systematically analysed.
Results: The patients all came from the plains northwest of Chengdu city. Seventy-six patients were admitted during the early stage (within 12 h) after the earthquake. Ten patients underwent surgery and three patients died.
Conclusion: Patients with traumatic brain injury during the early period accounted for a large proportion of the patients wounded in the Wenchuan earthquake, and their conditions changed quickly. The patients all came from the plain area which has convenient transportation. After admission, providing first-aid early had a significant effect on increasing the success of treatment for these patients.