HES on... Traumatic brain injuries

Brain injuries can affect anybody, at any time. This article gives an overview of the condition and highlights related 2009-10 HES data.

What are traumatic brain injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are injuries that are caused following a sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain. While the initial injury is caused by an outside force, there may be subsequent complications from lack of oxygen, and increased pressure and swelling of the brain. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.

There are many possible causes of TBIs, including road traffic accidents, falls and assaults.

Who does it affect?

Brain injuries can affect anybody, at any time. Men are around twice as likely to be treated for a brain injury as women.

HES facts and figures

HES data for traumatic brain injuries (primary diagnosis codes S06 and T06.0 in ICD-10) show that:

• in 2009-10, there were 23,162 finished consultant episodes (FCEs)
• over the past decade there have been a total of 163,748 FCEs, showing a 95% increase since 2000-01
• men are around twice as likely as women to be treated in hospital for TBIs
• women are more likely to be treated for TBI at an older age, whilst there is no clear pattern for men.

More information on this topic is available from NHS Choices here.

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