Citation

Winqvist S, Lehtilahti M, Jokelainen J, Luukinen H, Hillbom M. Neuroepidemiology 2007; 29(1-2): 136-142.

Affiliation

Department of Neurology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulun Yliopisto, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Karger Publishers)

DOI

10.1159/000110741

PMID

17989501

Abstract

Aims: Incidence and mortality rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated by using the Northern Finland Birth Cohort. This cohort provides a valuable source of data from the population born in 1966 (n = 12,058) in the 2 northernmost provinces of Finland. Methods: The cohort was followed for 34 years, and data were gathered from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register and the Registry for Causes of Death by Statistics Finland. Results: The annual incidence of and mortality from TBI were 118 and 14/100,000, respectively. Case fatality was 12%. An estimated prevalence of TBI at the age of 34 years was 269/100,000. Peak occurrences were observed at the age of 6-7 years in both genders and at the age of 18-23 years in men. The proportion of TBI mortality out of total mortality was 12%. Young men aged 16-34 years had 10-fold proportionate mortality from TBI compared to boys aged </=15 years. Alcohol drinking was associated with a particularly prominent number of intentional injuries in young men. Conclusion: Incidence and mortality rates of TBI vary according to age and gender. Peaks occur in children at the age of school entry and in men at the age of 18-23 years. Children have mild injuries, whereas the injuries of young men are frequently intentional and fatal and associated with alcohol drinking. </=15 Basel.

Language: en