Alcohol and head injury are closely linked. Of 102 patients admitted to the hospital through a trauma center for medical treatment, at least 56% had a documentable blood alcohol level (BAL). These patients were studied through a retrospective review of their records and compared to patients with no BAL at the time of admission. Findings suggest that if a BAL is present and, furthermore, if the individual's BAL Is at the intoxicated level (.10), a stormier medical course is predicted. Specific findings included longer length of stay, longer duration of agitation, and lower cognitive status at discharge. The etiology and implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations are made. It is concluded that a head-injured individual who is admitted to the hospital with a BAL will be more difficult to manage, will have slower acute recovery, will thus cost more to treat, and may return to drinking. Better identification and an improvement in resources for these patients are recommended.
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Sparadeo et al. (1989) studied this question.