Epidemiology Of Head Injury Research Articles

Epidemiology of head injuries in pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents

Despite efforts of many countries to improve pedestrian safety, international reports show an upward trend in pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents. Although the most common cause of death of pedestrians is head injuries, there is a lack of knowledge on the epidemiology and characteristics of head injury in terms of the Glasgow Outcome Scale to be used for prevention. However, this study aimed to determine the epidemiology of pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents, the characteristics of head injury, and differences in the Glasgow Outcome Scale in terms of gender. In this retrospective analytical study, the data of 917 eligible injured pedestrians were obtained from the two databases of the Trauma System and the Hospital Information System. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 21). The mean age of all 917 injured pedestrians was 47.55 ± 19.47 years. Most of the injured pedestrians (42.10%) were in the age range of 41–69 years and 81.31% were male. Moreover, 83.07% did not have any acute lesions on the CT scan. The most common brain lesion was brain contusion (n = 33, 3.60%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 33, 3.60%), and skull fracture (n = 29, 3.16%). Among all concurrent injuries, lower extremity/pelvic injuries were observed in 216 patients (23.56%). Outpatient treatment (n = 782, 85.27%), airway control/endotracheal intubation (n = 57, 6.22%), and resuscitation (n = 35, 3.82%) were the most applied treatments respectively. There were significant differences in the Glasgow Outcome Scale between men and women (P- value = 0. 012). The high rate of mortalities, disability, head injuries, contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and skull fractures in pedestrians involved in MVAs emphasizes the need for developing and implementing prevention strategies including appropriate management and risk reduction. Male pedestrians were at higher risk of motor vehicle accidents and worse Glasgow Outcome Scale. The presented data identified the main types of pedestrian injuries and suggested the importance of adopting appropriate preventive strategies to achieve the most effective interventions for creating a safer community.

Epidemiology of head injury in a tertiary care hospital in south India

Introduction: The annual incidence of traumatic brain injury is around 28-70 million in the world which causes morbidity and mortality. In India, around 1 million suffer from severe head injury and the mortality rate is around 1 lakh per year. As time progresses there is an observable increase in rates of Head injuries. This study focuses on the epidemiology of traumatic head injury in a tertiary care centre (Madras Medical College, Chennai- India) Materials and methods: This study is a prospective study covering all head injury cases admitted from January 2022 – December 2022 in our tertiary care centre. These patients are treated according to the protocol of the Institute of Neurosurgery. This study covers the management, discharge and follow-up of these patients. Results: The total number of patients admitted with head injuries from January 2022 to December 2022 was 2061. Among them, RTA tops head injury mortality and morbidity. Among RTA, Two-wheeler-associated injuries were most common. Drunken driving, and not wearing helmets and protective gear played a vital role in head injuries. Conclusion: Primary prevention can be the key to reducing the national burden of head injuries.

The epidemiology of head injuries at 2019 Rugby Union World Cup

ABSTRACT Introduction The sequelae of concussion are of growing concern within Rugby. World Rugby has introduced rule changes to improve player welfare and reduce head injury frequency. We aimed to report the incidence of head injuries and head injury assessment (HIA) at the 2019 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Methods We reviewed all 45 tournament matches and recorded the number of head injuries, the injured player’s position, and the mechanism of injury; whether the player had an HIA; and if they returned to play following injury. We compared these findings with previous RWCs. Results We recorded 68 head injuries (1.33/game). Thirty-six players (52.9%) were removed from the field of play for an HIA. Of these, 23 (63.9%) failed and therefore considered to have concussion. The head injury rate in 2019 was 37.8 per 1000 player hours, which increased from previous tournaments (22.0 in 2015, 14.6 in 2011, and 4.7 in 2007). The concussion rate was 23 per 1000 player hours in 2019, which was lower than 29 in 2015. In 2019, 63.9% of HIAs were failed compared to 48.7% in 2015. We identified 17 cases where medical staff did not attend to a player suffering a head injury on-field. Of these, four players underwent an HIA after the match doctor reviewed the incident. Conclusion We recorded a higher rate of head injuries, and a player was more likely to fail their HIA than in previous tournaments. These findings may represent a greater awareness from medical staff and the benefits of education. However, 25% of head injuries not receiving an initial on-field assessment provide room for improvement.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEAD INJURY - A LEVEL 1 TAEI CENTRE STUDY

Head injury affects over 60 million people every year which causes mortality and morbidity. Of all the injuries, head injury accounts for most cases of death and disability. Sixty-nine million individuals worldwide suffered from head injury in 2018. As the time progresses there is observable increase in rates of Head injuries. Hence this study focuses on this aspect of injuries in a level 1 TAEI centre. Research studies from TAEI centre are sparse as of now and this study will be a helpful tool for illumination of further research and development which will be useful in reducing public health burden. TAEI ( Tamilnadu Accident and Emergency Care Initiative ) : Tamilnadu Government have initiated TAEI centres along the National and major State highways. This is in co-ordination with 108 free ambulance service, Government hospitals and CMCHIS schemed private hospitals. It provides immediate and free treatment to the trauma patients. Aim : To study the Epidemiology of Head Injury in level 1 TAEI centre, Coimbatore medical college and hospital, Coimbatore. Materials and Methods : This study is a prospective study covering all head injury cases admitted from November 2020 - January 2021 in level 1 TAEI centre, Coimbatore medical college and hospital, Coimbatore. The treatment is initiated upon arrival in Zero delay ward and they are triaged by TAEI team. These patients are treated according to the protocol of Department of Neurosurgery. This study covers the management, discharge and follow up of these patients. Results : The admitted head injury patients in TAEI ward are 1319 cases out of 1750 trauma cases. Among them RTA tops head injury mortality and morbidity. Among RTA, Two wheeler associated injuries weremost common. Drunken drive, not wearing helmets and protective gears played a vital role in head injuries. CONCLUSION : The primary prevention can be the key to reduce the national burden of head injuries.

Registry-based pilot epidemiological study of traumatic brain injury in a tertiary trauma care center in Kerala, India - Difficulties encountered during data collection warranting the need for standardized electronic database.

Background: Head injury is referred to as a “silent epidemic” globally. Studies regarding epidemiology of head injury are very few especially in Kerala and most have conflicting reports. Unlike developed countries, there is no well-established system for collecting and managing information on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in India, especially in Kerala. The present study shares the difficulties encountered and the insights acquired by conducting a registry-based epidemiological pilot study for collecting a baseline data of traumatic head injury patients in a tertiary care center in Kerala.Methods: The pilot study was conducted to know the efficiency of present reporting system of a tertiary hospital in Kerala. We tried to collect retrospective data from December 2018 to December 2019 in the department of neurosurgery. As there was no standardized protocol or electronic database for data collection in hospital, we made a sample proforma for data collection. The patient details were obtained from medical records (case sheets), resident doctor’s, and staff nurse’s notes which included demography, clinical details, and radiological findings which were analyzed.Results: We were not able to fill the full details regarding demography, prehospital data, and clinicoetiological details which are important as far as head injury management is considered. The hospital records were grossly inadequate for full retrieval of information. Inadequate case definition and lack of centralized electronic reporting mechanisms were some of the major difficulties we faced obviating the need for collecting, managing, and utilizing epidemiological data using an electronic database.Conclusion: We believe that the present pilot study will give an insight regarding the difficulties encountered in collecting data regarding TBI. This study will be the first of its kind in Kerala highlighting the importance of maintaining a proper head injury electronic registry. The data from this study would definitely guide future experimental operational research on these unexplored areas which will be relevant in head injury policy-making in Kerala as well as in India.

Pediatric Head Injuries in Summer Camps

Summer camps have a unique supervisory environment that may lead to increased head injury risk for children. The epidemiology of head injuries in camps is unclear. We partnered with CampDoc.com to review head injury reports from camp nurses in 2016 from 197 camps in 36 states. A total of 4290 (92%) reports were coded as definite head injuries, 47% (n = 2002) in female campers, with median camper age of 10 years. Head injury severity was coded as mild (94%, n = 4040), moderate (6%, n = 248), or severe (<1%, n = 2). Only 3% (n = 134) were medically evaluated, and 29% (n = 1221) were sports-related. Head injuries were categorized as definite (3%, n = 137) and probable (13%, n = 572) concussions, with 39% (n = 277) being sports-related and 61% (n = 83) of definite concussions incurred by female campers. Summer camps, while an important location of head injury risk, appear to be a safe environment for youth.

Pediatric Head Injuries in Summer Camps

Background: Over 14 million children attend summer camps yearly and actively participate in outdoor and sports activities. Summer camps also have a unique supervisory environment different from home and school that may lead to increased injury risk. While the incidence of pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBI) has been increasing, with nearly half a million children visiting the emergency department for TBI yearly, the epidemiology of head injuries in summer camp settings remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the current epidemiology of head injuries among …

Epidemiology of head injuries and helmet use among motorcycle crash injury: a quantitative analysis from a local hospital in Western Kenya.

IntroductionInjury from motorcycle is a considerable cause of deaths and disability in the world. It is becoming one of the most serious public health problems, not only in developed countries but more in low and middle-income countries.MethodsDescriptive cross sectional study for patients who sustained head injuries related to motorcycle crashes between March 2017 and March 2018. Participant bio data, injury history and neurological examination findings were collected using pretested interviewer administered questionnaires. Frequencies, Mean (SD) and chi-square was employed in the analysis. Results were considered significant at p<0.05.ResultsA total of 341 motorcycle crash injury patients participated in the study. One hundred and forty three (42%), sustained head injuries while 198 (58%) sustained other types of injury. In regard to safety helmets, 94 (28%) wore helmets at the time of crash. One hundred and forty three (42%), of the respondents without helmets at the time of crash sustained head injuries. Riders and passengers who wore helmets at the time of motorcycle crash, suffered less frequent head injuries compared to those who did not wear helmets and this was statistically significant (χ2=55.78, P<0.00). Non use of safety helmet during crash was associated with sustaining mild to severe head injury. Most of the crashes 165 (48.3%), occurred as a result of collision between motorcycles versus vehicle. Majority of the crashes occurred in the afternoon hours 174 (51%). The days of the week recording the highest number of injuries were Friday (16.1%) and Monday (15.8%). The day of Involvement in motorcycle crash during the week was not significantly associated with head injury (χ2=13.103, p=0.785).ConclusionMajority of motorcycle crash injury victims sustained head injury. Few of the victims used safety helmets at the time of the motorcycle crash. Use of helmets was protective of sustaining mild to severe head injuries among crash injury victims.

Epidemiologic Impact of Rapid Industrialization on Head Injury Based on Traffic Accident Statistics in Korea.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to estimate the incidence trend of head injury and the mortality based on traffic accident statistics and to investigate the impacts of rapid industrialization and economic growth on epidemiology of head injury in Korea over the period 1970–2012 including both pre-industrialized and post-industrialized stages.MethodsWe collected data of head injury estimated from traffic accident statistics and seven hospital based reports to see incidence trends between 1970 and 2012. We also investigated the population structure and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of Korea over the same period. The age specific data were investigated from 1992 to 2012.ResultsThe incidence of head injury gradually rose in the 1970s and the 1980s but stabilized until the 1990s with transient rise and then started to decline slowly in the 2000s. The mortality grew until 1991 but gradually declined ever since. However, the old age groups showed rather slight increase in both rates. The degree of decrease in the mortality has been more rapid than the incidence on head injury.ConclusionIn Korea during the low income stage, rapid industrialization cause considerable increase in the mortality and the incidence of head injury. During the high income stage, the incidence of head injury gradually declined and the mortality dropped more rapidly than the incidence due to preventive measures and satisfactory medical care. Nevertheless, the old age groups revealed rather slight increase in both rates owing to the large population structure and the declining birth rate.

Profile of Road Traffic Accidents–related Head Injuries in Alexandria During the Egyptian Revolution 2011

Background: Although much is known about the epidemiology of head injuries, there is little information in the literature about head injuries in Egypt, in general, particularly in Alexandria. Background: The purpose of this study was to highlight the profile of road traffic accidents (RTAs)–related head injuries in Alexandria during the Egyptian revolution 2011. Patients and Methods: A prospective survey was conducted on 970 patients (756 males and 214 females, aged 6 mo to 80 y; mean=31.2) admitted to Alexandria Main University Hospital with head injuries after RTAs during the Egyptian revolution period between January 2011 and July 2011. Patients and Methods: Patient data collected included demographics, Glasgow coma score (GCS), radiologic findings, and Glasgow outcome score (GOS). Results: The majority of head injuries measured by GCS were mild (80%), followed by severe (14%) and moderate (6%) injuries with mean age of patients being 30.58, 37.14, and 25.51 years, respectively. Conservative management was applied in 94.7%, 72.9%, and 81.2% of cases with mild, moderate, and severe head injury, respectively, compared with surgical management in 5.3%, 27.1%, and 18.8% of corresponding cases, respectively. The study’s overall clinical outcomes measured by GOS were full recovery in 715 (85%) patients and death in 78 (9.3%) cases. Full recovery was achieved in 76.3% of cases admitted to the ward compared with 34.6% in cases admitted to the ICU. Conclusions: The increased number of patients with RTA-related head injuries who were discharged from the Alexandria Main University Hospital despite medical advice, because of deficient health care resources during the Egyptian revolution 2011, necessitates the foundation of a specialized neurotrauma intensive care unit and the establishment of an efficient patients’ referral system between the governmental and private hospitals in Alexandria for better health care services, particularly for patients with moderate and severe head injuries.

INJURY TO THE HEAD REGION IN ELITE MALE GAELIC FOOTBALL AND HURLING: 2007–2012

BackgroundGaelic football and hurling are national sports of Ireland. The Gaelic Athletic Association has supported the development of an injury database as a platform for injury prevention.ObjectiveTo report on epidemiology...

Continuing Professional Development: Head injury

Overview This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module will outline the epidemiology and pathophysiology of head injury, before defining categories of head injury and important details concerning their pre-hospital management. Learning Outcomes After completing this module you will be able to: • Demonstrate an appreciation of the epidemiology of head injury. • Understand the pathophysiology of head injury. • Define the categories of head injury. • Describe the important factors of pre-hospital management of head injury.

Meta - analysis of epidemiology and clinical charateristics of head injuries in the Wenchuan earthquake

Objective To estimate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with head injuries in Wenchuan Earthquake. Methods A comprehensive study of clinical data and literature meta - analysis evaluation of the 2008 - 2011 published articles on the traumatic brain injuries caused by the Wenchuan earthquake were carried out. Results Totally 68 retrieved documents met the essential requirements.According to the literature inclusion criteria,there were 18 papers were enrolled into the standard meta- analysis.They were sampled from all 3 involved provinces as Sichuan,Shanxi and Gansu.And this covered the 26 earthquake hit and severe hit regions.As the cumulative statistical showed that the earthquake injured 32 415 people,in which 5 559 people had head injuries ( 17.1％ ).The Male:female ratio was 1.53:1.The mild earthquake caused head injuries accounted for 69.4％,moderate 21.0％,and severe 9.6％.The open head injuries accounted for 17.7％ and combined injuries accounted for 54.7％.The mortality rate of earthquake caused head injury mortality rate was 0.16％.Conclusions Head injuries caused by the Wenchuan earthquake have some characteristics such as the high incidence,the complicated injury mechanism,combined injuries,nulti - injuries,rapid clinical changes and so on.And to improve the emergency response to victims of disaster in different stages’ hospitals would play greatly important role in increasing the rescue survival and reducing the disability and death rate. Key words: Earthquake ; Craniocerebral trauma; Epidemiology ; Treatment ; Meta- analysis

Epidemiology of head injury in the United Arab Emirates

Head injury increases mortality in trauma patients. We aimed to study the epidemiological and clinical features of head injury in Al-Ain city, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Trauma patients with head injury who were admitted to Al- Ain Hospital for more than 24 hours and those who died in the hospital were included in the study. Data were prospectively collected from March 2003 - March 2006. 589 patients were studied, and 521 were males (88.3%). The median (range) age was 30 (1-89) years. The most common mechanism of injury was road traffic collision (67.1%) followed by fall from height (11.9%). Head injury was mild in 82.2% of patients, moderate in 5.7%, and severe in 12.1%. 20.9% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. 35 patients died (overall mortality 5.9%). Patients who died had significantly higher Injury Severity Score (p<0.0001), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (p<0.0001), and higher Abbreviated Injury Scale of the head (p<0.0001). Motor vehicle collision was the main mechanism of head injury in the UAE followed by fall from height. Legislation for compulsory seatbelt usage and helmet usage by bicyclists and motorcyclists should be adopted. A safe work environment and preventive measures at work should be introduced.

From Psychoneurosis to ICHD‐2: An Overview of the State of the Art in Post‐Traumatic Headache

Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is an important public health issue - head injuries are common, headache is the most common sequelae of head injuries, and PTH can be particularly disabling. Fortunately, for most individuals with PTH, the headache gradually dissipates over a period of several days, weeks, or months either spontaneously or aided by non-pharmacologic and/or pharmacologic management. Regrettably, for a minority of head-injured individuals, the PTH is intractable and disabling despite aggressive and comprehensive treatment. Unfortunately, there are many prejudices against individuals with PTH. Frequently, the presence or absence of litigation and/or the mechanism of head injury (sports-related trauma, slip-and-fall injury, motor vehicle accident, or military service-related injury) biases physicians' views on the legitimacy of the patient's PTH. Accordingly, this review attempts to summarize the state of the art of our understanding of PTH. This clinical review highlights: (a) views on PTH throughout the last few centuries, (b) the ICHD-2 classification of PTH, (c) the epidemiology of head injuries and PTH, (d) the clinical characteristics of PTH, (e) PTH related postconcussive symptoms, (f) pathophysiology of PTH, (g) evaluation of PTH, and (h) management of PTH.

The Epidemiology Of Head Injury In Children/ Young Adults: A Study From British Comumbia, Canada.

Golf has become one of the most popular sports in the world. Golf-related head injuries are well-documented and include golf club, golf cart, and more recently golf ball trauma. We report on 2 cases of golf ball-associated traumatic brain injuries. The unique biomechanics of golf ball head trauma are reviewed. Initially golf injuries may cause minor clinical signs, with absence of skull fractures. However, the association of significant underlying intracranial hemorrhage should prompt a thorough neurologic evaluation.

The Epidemiology Of Head Injury In Older Adults: A Study From British Comumbia, Canada.

The Epidemiology Of Head Injury In Older Adults: A Study From British Comumbia, Canada.

The Epidemiology of Head Injuries in English Professional Rugby Union

To undertake a detailed epidemiological study of head injuries sustained by professional rugby union players in order to define their incidence, nature, severity, and causes. A 3-season prospective cohort design. 13 English Premiership rugby union clubs. 757 male rugby union players. Anatomical location, diagnosis, severity (number of days unavailable for training and match play), injury incident, and incidence of match and training injuries (injuries/1000 player-hours). Playing position, use of headgear, and activity. The overall incidence of match head injury was 6.6 injuries/1000 player-hours, and each injury resulted, on average, in 14 days lost-time. The overall incidence of match concussions was 4.1 injuries/1000 player-hours resulting, on average, in 13 days lost-time. Concussion was the third most common match injury for all players. A large proportion of the players (48%) were able to return to play safely within 7 days. Match concussions were most commonly associated with tackling head-on (28%), collisions (20%), and being tackled head-on (19%). The midfield backs were the playing position at the greatest risk of sustaining a concussion. Only 42% of players were removed from the field of play immediately after a concussion. Foul play was reported by the player to be associated with match head injury in 17% of cases. Mouthguard and headgear usage was associated with a reduced incidence of concussive injury. The overall incidence of training head injury was 0.05 injuries/1000 player-hours, and the overall incidence of training concussions was 0.02 injuries/1000 player-hours. The results showed that rugby union players were exposed to a high risk of noncatastrophic head injury and concussion, particularly whilst tackling and being tackled head-on. In all, 48% of players sustaining a concussion were able to return to play in less than 7 days. The clinical challenge when assessing the potentially concussed player during a game is compounded by the current regulations regarding the permanent replacement of injured players. Injury prevention strategies should be focussed on minimizing the risk and force of direct contact to the head in the tackle.

The epidemiology of head injuries in Sweden from 1987 to 2000

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the variability in the annual head injury incidence rate in Sweden from 1987 to 2000. It was hypothesized that the annual incidence rate would decrease over time due to a variety of primary preventive strategies that have been introduced in Swedish society. We used the Hospital Discharge Register at the National Board for Health and Welfare and head injury codes 800-804, and 850-854 from ICD9 system and S2.0-S2.9, and S6.0-S6.9 codes from ICD-10 system. We evaluated the patterns of age, gender, external cause of injury (E-code), type of injury, length of hospital stay, and trends over time. Head injuries due to transportation collision were reduced over the 14-year period analysis. Falls persisted as the dominant cause of head injury. Overall, men had 2.1 times the incidence of head injury compared to women. There was a decline in younger ages experiencing a head injury over this interval, while the number of head injuries among elderly people increased over time. Concussion was about three times more frequent than fractures. Hematoma and diffuse or focal contusions had a much lower incidence rate than concussion. Concussions and fractures decreased over time. Diffuse or focal injuries showed a steady rate of occurrence over the study interval while hematoma increased. Although length of hospital stay varied widely from zero to more than 50 days, 73.6% of hospital days were confined to two days or less. The incidence rate is stable over this time frame. While head injuries attributable to transportation accidents decreased, falls made up an increasing proportion of head injuries. Since we observed an increase in head injuries among elderly, primary prevention strategies may need to be targeted at this age group, and at preventing falls.

Severe traumatic brain injury

In western countries, injuries remain the leading cause of death in young adults (Jennett B. Epidemiology of head injury. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1996; 60: 362–369). Worldwide, injuries are estimated to account for 15% of the burden of death and disability, and are projected to account for 20% in 2020 (Ad Hoc Committee on Health Research Relating to Future Intervention Options. Investing in Health Research and Development (Document TDR/Gen/96.1). Geneva: World Health Organisation, 1996). In developing countries road traffic injuries in particular are increasing in incidence and injuries are projected to be the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide by 2020 (Ad Hoc Committee on Health Research Relating to Future Intervention Options. Investing in Health Research and Development (Document TDR/Gen/96.1). Geneva: World Health Organisation, 1996). Head injury accounts for up to half of all deaths from trauma (Kraus J. Epidemiology of head injury. In: Cooper PR, Ed. Head Injury, 3rd ed. Baltimore, MD: William Wilkins, 1993), and in addition to causing death often causes severe and long-lasting functional impairment in survivors.