Violence and Injury Prevention and Disability (VIP)

Neurotrauma

Helmets are very effective against head injuries that are often sustained by riders and passengers of two-wheelers.

Neurotrauma is a critical public health problem that deserves the attention of the world's health community. Estimates of brain and spinal cord injury occurrence indicate that these injuries cause enormous losses to individuals, families, and communities. They result in a large number of deaths and impairments leading to permanent disabilities. Research has also shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually requires long-term care and therefore incurs economic cost to health systems. For this reason, many countries need to develop surveillance systems and conduct epidemiologic studies to measure the impact of neurotrauma among their people to guide the development of more effective preventive methods. A number of methods have already proven effective, such as the use of motorcycle helmets, head supports in vehicles or on sports equipment.

WHO and some of its collaborating centers have produced Standards for surveillance on neurotrauma.

Related links

WHO collaborating centres focusing on neurotrauma