Facts and Stats on Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a contributing factor to a substantial number of deaths and permanent disabilities each year.  A TBI is caused by a bump, blow, jolt or penetrating injury to the head.  The severity of a TBI may range from “mild” to “severe.” Effects of TBI can last for just a few days, or they can be permanent.

According to the CDC, in 2014, there were 2.87 million ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths related to TBI, with 837,000 of these among children. According to data collected by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 54% increase in TBI-related emergency department visits, but an 8% decrease in TBI-related hospitalizations and a 6% decrease in death rates between 2006 and 2014.

TBI injuries result from a number of causes. As of 2014, falls were the leading cause of TBIs, resulting in over almost half – 48 percent – of TBI-related emergency department visits each year. TBI rates from falls were highest for children aged 0 to 17 years and for older adults. Motor vehicle-related injuries were the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, and were the leading cause of TBI-related death for those aged 15-34 and those over 75. [1]

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness month, consider giving back to an organization that provides services to brain injury survivors and their families.  One organization that is very near and dear to our hearts is the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington.  For more information or for ways to give back, visit their website, www.biawa.org.

For more articles on brain injuries, please visit our blog pages.  Here two recent articles:

https://www.adlergiersch.com/provider-blog/mild-traumatic-brain-injuries-and-emergency-rooms/

https://www.adlergiersch.com/blog/second-languages-may-help-your-brain/

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html

[2] http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/prevention.html