[Epidemiology of craniocerebral trauma in Portugal]

The epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was studied in Portugal, using data of hospital admissions and total mortality, in 1994, 1996 and 1997. A rate of incidence of 151/100,000 for 1994 and of 137/100,000, for 1996 and 1997, was observed. Although in the last two years the incidence was the same, the mortality has decreased. The global rate of mortality for 1997 was of 17/100,000, with highest risk in age groups of 20 to 29 years (20/100,000) and after the age of 80 years (54/100,000). About 95% of deaths occur outside hospital and 5% after hospital admission. The incidence rate ratio of TBI was 1.8:1 in hospital admissions and of 3.4:1 in mortality, comparing men to women. This last difference is a constant throughout the life span but much more enhanced between 20 and 39 years of age.