LAUSR

ABSTRACT Objective We assessed for change in the number of admissions, demographics, mechanism, severity, operative management, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in patients admitted to a Neurosurgical Unit (NSU) in the Republic of Ireland in 2017 compared to 25 years previously. Method We performed a retrospective cohort study of TBI admissions during 2017 and compared the results with a prospective cohort study covering a one-year period across 1992 and 1993. Results In 2017, 184 patients (5.78 per 100,000) were admitted, compared to 225 in 1992/1993 (7.31 per 100,000). Mean age increased by 8.5 years. The contribution of road traffic collisions (RTCs) decreased by 62% while sports injuries increased by 300%, led by soccer. Falls replaced RTCs as the leading mechanism of injury. We report a decrease in severe injuries (GCS≤8) of 52% while mild injuries (GCS≥13) increased by 58%. The number undergoing neurosurgery remained comparable (2017: 55%, 1992/1993: 48%), as did in-hospital mortality (13%, 16%). Mean length of stay decreased by four days. Conclusion There has been a sizable change in the landscape of TBI as seen in the Republic of Ireland’s national NSU including in demographics, mechanism of injury, and injury severity.