Social-economic impact of head injury

The socio-economic costs of traffic road accidents were analysed data epidemiological studies and compared with reported data. The costs are calculated as a function of accident type and vehicle involved, severity of head trauma, patients individual characteristics, type of care--intensive and emergency services, other hospital bed costs, including recovering and rehabilitation such as in-and out-patient services. Finally the costs of repairing materials (cars, walls, roads, etc.) are also estimated. The author concludes that the medical doctor must take part in compiling the statistics so as to be able to discuss the economics of injury and the social priorities.