Epidemiology of head injury. Issue 6258 (10th January 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jennett, B; MacMillan, R
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 282:Issue 6258(1981)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 1981-01-10
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.282.6258.101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : To find the incidence of the various types of head injury that occur in the community separate yearly rates (per 10(5) population in Scotland) for deaths, admissions to hospital, and attendance at accident and emergency departments were estimated and compared (when possible) with rates in England and Wales and the United States. Hospital admissions provide the best data for comparing incidences in different geographical areas and rates of attendance at accident and emergency departments the most reliable guide to incidences in the community. Admission rates, however, vary with local facilities and policies, and these also determine the proportion of patients referred to regional neurosurgical units. Such epidemiological data must be sought both for planning health care for head injury and for monitoring the effectiveness of services.