New statistics released by Headway, the brain injury association, show that the number of people in the UK suffering a head injury is on the rise, with the number of women affected increasing sharply.

Released to coincide with the start of Action for Brain Injury Week 2015, the findings reveal that men are 1.6 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with a head injury than women, but the number of women admitted to hospital with a head injury since 2005-06 has risen by 24%.

Overall, the number of people admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury has increased by 10% since 2005-06. In 2013 – 2014, 348,934 people were admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury – equating to one every 90 seconds.

Paul Brown, a serious injury solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors and secretary for Headway Wearside, said: “These latest figures show a significant and concerning rise in the number of people affected by an acquired brain injury and all types of head injury in the UK in the last few years.

“In light of these latest statistics, it is even more crucial that services for brain injury victims and the family and friends of those affected as well as charities like Headway are fully supported to ensure that they receive the best care, support and information.”

The brain injury association, Headway works to improve life after brain injury for people across the UK.