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Head trauma among children in Reykjavík
E O Arnarson1, J G Halldórsson
1Department of Psychiatry, National University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Insights
Head trauma affects 1.70 per 1000 children annually in Reykjavík. Severe brain injuries occur in 0.28 per 1000, with falls being the most common cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Public Health Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Head trauma is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding incidence and causes is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and causes of head trauma in children aged 0-14 years in Reykjavík.
- To assess the severity and outcomes of pediatric head injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study using hospital records from 1987-1991.
- Analysis of demographic data and injury mechanisms for pediatric head trauma cases.
Main Results:
- Annual incidence of head trauma was 1.70 per 1000 children.
- Severe brain injuries (ICD9 851-854) affected 0.28 per 1000 children annually.
- Falls (62%) and traffic accidents (19%) were the leading causes of head trauma.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric head trauma represents a notable public health issue in Reykjavík.
- Falls are the primary cause, highlighting the need for targeted fall-prevention measures.
- A small but significant proportion of cases result in severe brain injury requiring rehabilitation.
Abstract:
The incidence of head trauma (ICD9 850-854) among children in the Reykjavík area, aged 0-14 years, was studied over a 5-year period, 1987-1991, using hospital records. On average, 72 children with head trauma were admitted to hospital each year, indicating an annual incidence of 1.70 per 1000 population. Fourteen percent of children admitted to hospital with head trauma suffered the more severe forms of brain injury (ICD9 851-854) (annual incidence of 0.28 per 1000). Seven children died from brain injury, indicating an annual death rate of 0.03 per 1000. Falls were the most common cause of head trauma (62%), followed by traffic accidents (19%). On average, one to two severely brain-injured children received rehabilitation each year.