Epidemiology of head injury in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Head injury increases mortality in trauma patients. We aimed to study the epidemiological and clinical features of head injury in Al-Ain city, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHODS: Trauma patients with head injury who were admitted to Al- Ain Hospital for more than 24 hours and those who died in the hospital were included in the study. Data were prospectively collected from March 2003 - March 2006.

RESULTS: 589 patients were studied, and 521 were males (88.3%). The median (range) age was 30 (1-89) years. The most common mechanism of injury was road traffic collision (67.1%) followed by fall from height (11.9%). Head injury was mild in 82.2% of patients, moderate in 5.7%, and severe in 12.1%. 20.9% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. 35 patients died (overall mortality 5.9%). Patients who died had significantly higher Injury Severity Score (p<0.0001), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (p<0.0001), and higher Abbreviated Injury Scale of the head (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Motor vehicle collision was the main mechanism of head injury in the UAE followed by fall from height. Legislation for compulsory seatbelt usage and helmet usage by bicyclists and motorcyclists should be adopted. A safe work environment and preventive measures at work should be introduced.