[The epidemiology of brain injury and the organization of health care to victims in Aden (Yemen)].

All medical information sources available in Aden (Yemen) over 1998-2000 showed that there were 862 victims with brain injury. The prevalence of brain injury was 2.19 cases per 1,000; that being 1.6 cases in adults and 4.8 in children per 1000 of the pediatric population. The main causes of brain injury were domestic and road traffic accident in 54.7 and 40% of cases, respectively. Mild brain injury (mild brain concussion and contusions) was equally stated with severe one (moderate-to-severe brain contusions, as well as cerebral compression). Closed brain injuries predominated (in 732 (84.9%) 732 victims) over open ones (in 130 (15.1%)). The findings will make it possible to implement a number of organizational measures to improve medical service of this group of seriously ill patients and to reduce disability and mortality.