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Counting the people disabled by head injury
1Department of Neurological Surgery and Neurology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
Injury
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Accurate head injury incidence is unknown. This study estimates 160 survivors per 100,000 population annually, with specific rates for disability and unemployment among survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Accurate incidence of head injury and long-term disability rates are not well-established.
- Previous estimates lack precision, necessitating a population-based study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately estimate the incidence of head injury in a defined population.
- To quantify the rates of persistent disability and unemployment following head injury.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study identifying all hospital admissions for head injury.
- Data collected over a one-year period within a known population.
- Exclusion of individuals over 65 years old from disability rate calculations.
Main Results:
- An incidence of 160 survivors of head injury per 100,000 population was identified annually.
- Disability rates included 0.38 per 100,000 requiring care and 0.75 per 100,000 unemployable.
- These figures exclude individuals over 65 years old.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a more accurate estimate of head injury incidence and associated disability.
- The findings highlight the significant burden of head injury on survivors, particularly regarding long-term care and employment needs.
- Further research may be needed to assess outcomes in older populations.