[Brain diseases in Campina Grande, Paraíba]

In this study it is shown the incidence of brain diseases in Campina Grande PB, Brazil taking account hospitalizations under prospective payments. Neurologic affections were classified according to ICD-9. It is demonstrated that 3.09% of hospitalizations are due to brain diseases, mainly cerebrovascular disorders. It is evident that Campina Grande is included in Brazil's north-east average of brain diseases representation, and this result contrasts with nation-wide results because of regional differences. Mental disturbances were not included in this study because of the difficulty in obtaining data; they were classified in the other diseases group.