A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object (for example, following road traffic accidents) or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. Mild cases may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness, while severe cases may result in extended periods of unconsciousness, coma or even death. Symptoms vary greatly depending on the severity of the head injury, but may include any of the following:vomiting, lethargy, headache, confusion, paralysis & coma.

Depending upon the clinical status of the patient as per the Glasgow Coma Scale, emergency surgery may be needed to minimize damage to the underlying brain. Surgery may be done to treat the following problems :

1. Extradural or subdural haematomas
2. Repairing depressed fractures which are compressing underlying brain .
3. Relieving raised intra cranial pressure due to brain edema or haemorrhage by removing bone flap or performing burr hole evacuation of clot.