Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Epidemiology of head injury.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981; 282 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.282.6258.101 (Published 10 January 1981) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:101
  1. B Jennett,
  2. R MacMillan

    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.