Demographical profiles of adult severe traumatic brain injury patients: implications for healthcare planning

Lee KK, Seow WT, Ng I
Correspondence: Ms Lee Kah Keow, kah_keow_lee@nni.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Introduction In Singapore, severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be a major public health problem and devastating condition, with significant mortality and morbidity. By understanding the incidence, prevalence and implications of severe TBI in Singapore, strategic plans to meet the unique needs of these patients in the local context may be developed.
Methods The demographical profiles of the adult severe TBI patients in Singapore were studied in this retrospective review of 528 patients admitted to the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) from January 1999 to December 2003.
Results There were 420 male and 108 female patients, age ranging from 15 to 96 years old, with a mean and standard deviation (SD) of 44.6 +/- 19.9 years, admitted to NNI during the study period. Motor vehicle and fall-related accidents were the leading causes of severe TBI. Three high-risk groups identified were young adults, elderly, and foreign workers.
Conclusion Preventive measures targeting at these high-risk groups are important to reduce the incidence of severe TBI.

Keywords: accidents, brain injury, motor vehicle accidents, trauma
Singapore Med J 2006; 47(1): 31-36