Citation

Schofield PW, Butler TG, Hollis SJ, Smith NE, Lee SJ, Kelso WM. Brain Inj. 2006; 20(5): 499-506.

Affiliation

Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice, NSW, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699050600664749

PMID

16716996

Abstract

Primary objective: To establish the prevalence, severity, recurrence and sequelae of past traumatic brain injury (TBI) among individuals recently received into custody.

Research design: Cross-sectional random sample of men recently received into the New South Wales' (NSW) criminal justice system.

Procedures: Participants were screened for a history of TBI including the injury setting, severity, treatment and sequelae of up to five separate TBI episodes.

Outcomes and results: Of 200 study participants, 82% endorsed a history of at least one TBI of any severity and 65% a history of TBI with a loss of consciousness (LOC). Multiple past TBIs were common, as were ongoing sequelae. Treatment for the TBI was more common among those TBIs with a LOC compared with no LOC (66% vs. 39%).

Conclusions: Among individuals entering the criminal justice system, past TBI is common and often associated with ongoing neuropsychiatric and social sequelae. Screening for TBI at the point of reception may be warranted to better understand and treat those with ongoing neuropsychiatric sequelae arising from the TBI.

Language: en