Without Housing or Neurologic Health: A Distinctive Patient Group

Individuals who are homeless are at elevated risk for neuropsychiatric disorders, which can cause — or result from — their poor living conditions. These researchers used a statewide California inpatient database to review the rate of homelessness in over 1 million adults hospitalized with a neurologic primary diagnosis from 2006 to 2011.

The 3983 homeless individuals were more likely than “housed” patients to be men (84% vs. 49%) and to be younger (mean age, 50 vs. 65). Homeless patients were more likely to have a mental health disorder (47% vs. 31%) or substance use disorder (68% vs. 11%). The most common indications for hospitalization among the homeless were seizure (19% vs. 8%) and traumatic brain injury (TBI; 32% vs. 9%). Homelessness w…