%0 Journal Article
%T Prevalence of traumatic brain injury among children, adolescents and young adults: Prospective evidence from a birth cohort
%J Brain injury
%D 2008
%A Macfarlane, M. R.
%A Ridder, Elizabeth M.
%A Fergusson, D. M.
%A Horwood, L. J.
%A Grace, R. C.
%A McKinlay, A.
%V 22
%N 2
%P 175-181
%X Background: Little is known about the incidence and prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly for infants, children and young adults. Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to provide an accurate estimate of the incidence and prevalence of TBIs for individuals between 0-25 years of age. Method and procedures: A birth cohort of 1265 individuals was used, for which information regarding TBI events, both hospitalized and non-hospitalized, had been recorded. Main outcomes and results: The average incidence for this age group ranged from 1.10-2.36 per 100 per year, with an overall prevalence of approximately 30%. The most common source of injury was falls for individuals 0-14 years of age and contact sports and motor vehicle accidents for 15-25 year olds. Approximately one third of the individuals who experienced a TBI went on to have one or more additional injuries. Conclusions: The incidence rates reported here are much higher than those previously found. It is clear that TBIs constitute a major health issue and therefore it is important to have accurate information to enable planning for primary healthcare services and to inform prevention programmes.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Informa - Taylor and Francis Group
%@ 0269-9052
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699050801888824