Update on the epidemiology of work-related traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health concern that can occur in a range of contexts. Work-related TBI (wrTBI) is particularly concerning. Despite overall work-related injury claims decreasing, the proportion of claims that are wrTBI have increased, suggesting prevention and support of wrTBI requires ongoing attention.ObjectivesThis review aimed to provide updated information on the burden and risk factors of wrTBI among the working adult population.MethodsMedline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched using a combination of TBI, work, and epidemiology text words and medical subject headings. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate prevalence and mortality of wrTBI and a narrative synthesis was conducted to provide additional context.ResultsPooled proportions meta-analyses estimate that 17.9% of TBIs were work-related and 6.3% of work-related injuries resulted in TBI, with 3.6% of wrTBI resulting in death. Populations of wrTBI were predominantly male (76.2%) and were 40.4 years of age, on average. The most commonly reported industries for wrTBI were education and training, healthcare and social assistance, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Falls, being struck by an object or person, motor vehicle collisions, and assaults were the most commonly reported mechanisms of wrTBI.ConclusionsA better understanding of the epidemiology of wrTBI can inform prevention and management strategies. This review highlights existing gaps, including a notable lack of sex or gender stratified data, to direct future investigation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020169642.

Effect of helmet design on impact performance of industrial safety helmets

“…Work-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for 18% of the estimated 1.7 million TBIs that occur in the Unites States annually. [1,2] It is among the most serious and disruptive occupational injuries, as those surviving TBI can face long-term cognitive, psychological and emotional impairments. [3,4] The economic burden of treatment for severe TBI ranges from $600,000 to $1,8 million per case, not including the value of lost productivity.…”

“…[8] A 2021 systematic review found that despite a decrease in overall work-related injury claims, the proportion of claims from work-related TBIs have increased. [2] This suggests that advancing preventative safety technology remains an urgent matter to address the costly and debilitating TBI epidemic among the work force.…”

Prognostic properties of the association between the S‑100B protein levels and the mean cerebral blood flow velocity in patients diagnosed with severe traumatic brain injury

“…Currently, CBI is one of the leading causes of death in addition to cardiovascular disease and cancer (3). A histogram of age-related CBI shows a bimodal distribution with the first and second maximums for subjects aged 15 and >75 years old, respectively (4). CBI is more common amongst men than among women, showing a ratio between 1.9:1-2.8:1 (4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

Usability of the Level of the S100B Protein, the Gosling Pulsatility Index, and the Jugular Venous Oxygen Saturation for the Prediction of Mortality and Morbidity in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

“…TBI includes noncongenital tissue damage rendered by a sudden impact manifested by endocrine dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance, respiratory manifestations, and neurological, neuropsychological, and psychiatric dysfunction [ 2 ]. TBI occurs most frequently in two age groups: between 15 and 24 and older than 75 years of age [ 3 ]. Although TBI is prevalent internationally at 1.3 and 2 per 100,000 in North America and Europe, respectively, in Poland, its frequency oscillates around 0.07 per 100,000.…”