[Minor head injuries in a Copenhagen district. 2. Causes, simultaneous lesions, alcohol and economic aspects]

In order to elucidate causes, simultaneous lesions, alcohol intoxication and economic aspects of admission of patients with minor head traumas, the records of 1,961 patients admitted in 1985 and 1986 were reviewed. 35% were admitted after traffic accidents, 18% after assaults and 17% because of home accidents. In the age group 30-39 years, 40% of the males were admitted after assaults. 7% sustained fractures of the extremities, 4% facial fractures and 3% and 1% thoracic and abdominal lesions respectively. At least 28% of all patients, more than 50% of the patients admitted during evening- and night hours and 51% of the males between 14 and 65 years were clinically alcohol intoxicated. 1,876 patients were admitted solely for observation, nine developed an intracranial complication, three were operated upon and one died. The bed day expenditure was 2.7 mill. Dkr. (pounds 225,000), and for the entire nation 64.8 mill. Dkr (pounds 5,400,000). The costs for diagnosing one case of intracranial lesion in Denmark were 925.000 Dkr. (approximately pounds 80,000) and 2.1 mill. Dkr. (pounds 180,000) to find the cases requiring treatment (1985 level).