[The incidence and mortality rates of head injuries in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (1991-1992)].

Head injury is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disability in Taiwan. This study was based on data from the investigation of head injuries in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, during the period July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1992. The 3729 cases identified represented an overall incidence rate of 267/100,000--359/100,000 for males and 170/100,000 for females. The highest incidence rate was seen in the elderly group, followed by the 20-29 year age group. The population with the highest risk was males aged 20-29 years, with an incidence rate of 585/100,000. Seventy percent of all cases were from motor vehicle-related causes, followed by falls (15.3%) and assaults (8.7%). Of the motor vehicle-related head injuries, 70.9% resulted from motorcycle accidents. The incidence rate of motor vehicle head injuries was 188/100,000--248/100,000 for males and 125/100,000 for females. At all ages motor vehicle head injuries were higher in males than in females. Mortality rates from head injuries were 26/100,000--38/100,000 for males and 14/100,000 for females. The overall case fatality rate was 10%, and 61% of all deaths occurred prior to hospitalization. The case fatality rate was highest in older age groups. Initial clinical assessment was recorded using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Eighty-one percent of the cases were considered mild, and 19% moderate to severe in degree including 367 deaths. The males and the aged not only had a higher incidence of head injuries but also had a higher proportion of more severe ones. These findings indicate that head injuries are nonrandom and likely to occur in certain types of individuals under certain circumstances.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)