A study that examined medical records of Swedish TBI sufferers compared to the general population has instigated further debate on the link between traumatic brain injury and prisoners.

A recent article in the Financial Times suggests that insufficient monitoring of TBI patients after being released from hospital leads to an increase in crime.

The long-term symptoms of TBI can include impulsive behaviour, memory loss and lack of concentration which can have ‘very detrimental effects on the victim’s personal life.’

According to Huw Williams, clinical neuropsychologist at the University of Exeter, seven per cent of the population has suffered from a form of head injury. However, this percentage increases to 60 per cent for prisoners.

Peter Mulhern, head of serious injury at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “This research highlights how important it is to identify, treat and monitor head injuries.

“Ensuring that patients with a brain injury are given proper care and advice will enable them and their families to understand behavioural changes and help them to adapt their lifestyle accordingly.

“Public awareness of the symptoms associated with TBI will lead to better understanding of the implications of such injuries and in turn hopefully reduce the correlation between TBI, criminal conviction and imprisonment.”