• Gideon Adegboyega, Yvan Zolo, Lorraine Arabang Sebopelo, David Ulrich Dalle, Olaoluwa Ezekiel Dada, Celestin Bilong Mbangtang, Francklin Tetinou, Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye, and Andrew Folusho Alalade.
• Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaounde, Cameroon. Electronic address: gideon.adegboyega@gmail.com.
• World Neurosurg. 2021 Dec 1; 156: e192-e205.

BackgroundDespite the growing incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is yet to be a study to map the current burden of the disease on the continent. This scoping review aims to outline the literature on TBI.MethodsThis scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews. A search string was developed to identify studies relating to TBI epidemiology, management, and outcomes. The search was applied to Medline, Embase, and Global Medicus Index.ResultsIn total, 107 studies were included in the final analysis. More than one half originated from South Africa. Seventy-five studies were published in 2013 or later. Studies recruited a median of 115 patients: 83.5 male and 31 female. TBI affected all age groups (range = 0-105 years) and sexes but was more common among young males aged 20-40. Road traffic accidents caused TBI in a median of 71 patients. Other major causes included assault (median = 39.5) and falls (median = 12.5). Craniectomies were the most commonly reported surgical treatment (18.7%) followed by burr holes (7.5%). Four studies (3.7%) reported delays in seeking neurotrauma care, with delays in reaching a neurotrauma facility and delays in receiving care being reported in 15 studies (14%) each. Glasgow Outcome Scale score was reported in 28 (26.1%) studies, whereas quality of life measures were reported in 2 (1%). Younger age was associated with favorable outcomes.ConclusionsThere is an increased need for TBI research, education, and training in Sub-Saharan Africa. This will aid stakeholders in optimizing patient management and outcome.Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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