Traumatic brain injury in Portugal: progress in incidence and mortality

Objectives: Traumatic brain injury continue to be a public health issue, mainly as a result of road accidents and falls. Current epidemiological studies appear to be necessary for a better understanding and monitoring of this problem. This paper analyzes the evolution of these cases in Portugal from the late 1990s to 2014. Methods: The number of hospital admissions and of total mortality in the country were analyzed regarding 2011 and 2014. The results were compared with values obtained previously, for 1997. Results: Incidence rate decreased, being 137/100 000 in 1997 and 65/100 000 in 2014. The mortality rate has also decreased from 17/100 000 to 10/100 000. However, between 2011 and 2014, there was a trend to increase the total number of cases. The incidence rate by age group also differs, with fewer cases in the young adult population in 2014 contrasting with a very high mortality among people aged 80 or older, of 57/100 000. Men continue to show a greater incidence, presenting more hospitalization cases (1.4:1), and higher mortality (2.3:1). Conclusions: The results are consistent with other studies, revealing a decrease in cases, but a high mortality in the elderly population, and the need of more preventive measures.