Epidemiology of head injury in Vilnius and Vilnius district

Head injury is one of the most frequent causes of death and disablement worldwide. Because of changes in the social and economic environment, the prevalence of head injury is increasing. According to the data of Lithuanian Health Information Center, the prevalence of head injury in Lithuania in 2001 was 1370/10000 inhabitants. The average prevalence of head injury in other countries was 218/10000. It appears that the cases of head injury are six times more frequent in Lithuania, although there were no epidemiological studies performed in the country. This study was aimed to clarify real statistical situation. A retrospective study was carried out in Vilnius University Emergency Hospital. In total, 1800 patients were enrolled into the study. The data were stored in a personal computer and analyzed with a Microsoft Excel 2003 and SPSS 10 statistical package. The prevalence of male gender (64.7%) was statistically significant. The main causes of trauma were assault (36.3%), fall (34.7%) and motor vehicle accidents (12.1%). Neurological signs were found only in 230 patients (12.8%). A negative correlation was established between the age and head injury during the motor vehicle accident or assault. Head injury after the contact with a falling object was also age-dependent. Seasonal variations were found in falls (more in winter) and in traumas after a contact with a falling object (more in autumn). Official Lithuanian standards of head and brain injury need to be re-evaluated in the light of international statistical rules