Six of 10 child brain injuries from road crashes

CHILDREN are most likely to suffer severe brain injury as a result of road traffic accidents, especially as pedestrians, according to new research.

Six out of every 10 children who receive specialist treatment for head injuries in Ireland have been in a car accident.

A study of 128 children and teens admitted to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire over a six-year period highlights how brain injury has proven an extremely traumatic experience for most victims.

Although the report, which was compiled by the Children’s Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin, identified road traffic accidents as the predominant cause of brain injuries, stroke, infection, falls and being hit by objects also accounted for a significant number of cases.

Many parents reported their children suffered from social isolation after their injuries.

Although some patients had suffered brain injuries over eight years ago, many still experienced numerous problems in after-care services.

“The burden of care typically fell on parents and they often had to actively seek services for their child,” said

research head, Dr Caroline Heary.

The report highlighted complaints from parents and medical professionals that there was insufficient availability of community services and resources.

The report recommends a better co-ordinated system of healthcare delivery is responsive to the needs of individual children and their families.

Details of the research, which was commissioned by the National Rehabilitation Hospital, will be released at today’s official launch of a new voluntary organisation called BRÍ BRÍ, otherwise known as the Acquired Brain Injury Advocacy Association, will be formally launched by Minister for Health and Children Micheál Martin at the National Rehabilitation Hospital this afternoon.

It was formed after a meeting of more than 500 people including patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals in 1999.

“Our role is to ensure people affected by brain injury are provided with the services to have a good quality life,” said BRÍ chairperson, Jerry Mahon.