Ontario Study Finds Men With Traumatic Brain Injury More Likely to Reach Trauma Centres Than Women

Women admitted to Ontario hospitals for traumatic brain injury between 2009 and 2020 were 26 per cent less likely than men to receive care at specialized trauma centres, according to a study published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

The study examined records for more than 55,000 adult patients. Roughly a quarter of the women were admitted to trauma centres, compared with nearly 40 per cent of the men.

Researchers adjusted for age, underlying health conditions and injury severity and still found the gap. Even among patients with the most severe injuries, men remained more likely to reach trauma centres. Women in the study were older on average, had more baseline conditions such as hypertension or dementia, and were less likely to have severe brain injuries than men.

"The trend is consistent, and strong enough, that we actually have to pay attention to it," said Dr. Natalia Angeloni, a critical care physician completing her doctorate at the University of Toronto and a study co-author. Traumatic brain injuries include any damage to the brain from an external force such as a fall, car crash or blow to the head.

Federal data show an average of more than 21,000 Canadians are hospitalized for TBIs each year, with nine in 10 cases more serious than a concussion. Ontario trauma centres provide dedicated trauma bays, advanced diagnostic tools and surgeons trained for complex injuries. Dr.

Najma Ahmed, head of surgery at Unity Health Network's St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said prompt access can be life-changing because it allows rapid treatment of bleeding around the brain and connects patients to rehabilitation teams. Ahmed noted that older women's symptoms, such as confusion or trouble finding words, can be under-appreciated during triage.