Clinical Profiles of Patients Admitted with Neurological Disorders at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Neurological disorders are an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in low- and middle income countries. Studies addressing the different types of neurological disorders that patients present in our settings are lacking. This study was carried out to identify the clinical profile of adult neurological disorders in patients admitted under the care of the Department of Neurology.

Methods: This is a descriptive study carried out in adult patients aged 18 years and above admitted in the Department of Neurology at a tertiary center of Nepal 14th April 2023 to 13th April 2024. All patients admitted with neurological disorders were included. The diseases were classified based on the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee, Institute of Medicine. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software.

Results: Out of total medical ward admissions, 1544 (12.73%) were admitted under the Department of Neurology, with a mean age of 56.32±19.03 years. There were 44 (2.84%) deaths, and ischemic stroke was the cause of mortality in 22 (50.00%). Cerebrovascular disorders 831 (53.82%) and infection of the central nervous system 121 (7.83%) were the most frequent groups, with the leading individual diagnoses being ischemic stroke 610 (39.53%) and haemorrhagic stroke 173 (11.20%).

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for enhanced neurological care services, preventive strategies, and resource optimization to address the growing challenge of neurological diseases in Nepal.