Epidemiology of head injury and outcome after head injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a major cause of death and disability, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that traumatic brain injury will be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity by 2020. In low- and middle-income countries the incidence of TBI is increasing, subsequent to increased motorization. It is, however, particularly vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists) where the risk is greatest. In higher income countries, children, young adults, and elderly patients have the highest rate of TBI and a substantial increase in incidence of TBI in elderly patients as a result of falls has been noted. Nevertheless, TBI is a disease that affects the population of all ages and is referred to as ‘a silent epidemic’. Knowledge of the epidemiology of TBI is essential to inform healthcare planning and to target prevention campaigns appropriately. In this chapter we will summarize global TBI epidemiological perspectives and reflect on the burden that TBI imposes on health economics and society. We will review current classification systems, outcome measures, and prognostic models for TBI.