Report highlights increase in female brain injuries

A report released by brain injury charity Headway on 18th May shows a staggering 24% rise in the number of females being admitted to hospital in the UK with non-superficial head injuries.  Dan Thompson, Partner in the Personal Injury team, here reviews the report in more detail. 

“The report takes figures from 2013-14 and compares them to 2005-6,” begins Dan.  “While males are still more likely than females to be admitted to hospital for a head injury, the 24% increase in females is certainly alarming.  Unfortunately this report doesn’t look at the reasons why this is happening, and so Headway is campaigning for more research to be done in this area.”

Acquired brain injuries were also a key focus for the report.  “An acquired brain injury (ABI) is one that has occurred since birth, but also includes traumatic brain injuries such as tumours, strokes or a brain haemorrhage,” explains Dan.  “This Headway report shows that acquired brain injuries have increased by 10% since 2005-6, with 348,934 ABI UK hospital admissions recorded in 2013-14.  This equates to approximately 956 admissions per day and to put this into context that is one admission every 90 seconds.  This includes a 9% increase in stroke admissions; a total of 130,551, or one admission every 4 minutes.”

When considering these figures it’s important to remember that it’s not only hospitals that will see the impact.  “ABI’s can lead to life-changing long term disabilities,” continues Dan.  “This means that the services used following diagnosis will also experience the added pressure, such as rehabilitation services.”

Other head injury admissions have also increased, with 162,544 admissions in 2013-14; a 6% increase.  “That translates to 445 every day; one admission every 3 minutes,” states Dan.  “It’s no surprise in light of these figures that Headway have seen a 60% increase in the amount of calls to the UK-wide helpline in the past 5 years alone.  Unfortunately, Headway is also seeing a reduction in the amount of funding they receive.”

Dan concludes, “This week, 18th – 24th May, is Headway’s Action for Brain Injury week and the charity is using this report as the foundations to campaign for more funding and investment into brain injury causes and consequences.  We see on a regular basis the aftermath of sustaining a brain injury, whether that is from birth or in an accident, and know the high cost both financially and emotionally.  It’s because of our experiences that we sincerely hope this Headway research shines the light on to the excellent work they do, and encourages more people to become involved in the campaign for more funding and research.”

For more details from Dan or the Personal Injury Team at Warner Goodman LLP if you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury, call 0800 91 92 30 or visit the Injury section of the website here.

ENDS

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