New Data on TBI-Related ED Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and CDC's Injury Center encourages you to continue spreading the word about ways to prevent a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to help protect the health of all Americans. To highlight this important issue, CDC published a new MMWR Surveillance Summary titled Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths—United States, 2007 and 2013.

CDC analyzed the latest data and reported results on the leading causes of TBI by age group and sex. The data show that in 2013, there were:

• 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits,
• 282,000 hospitalizations, and
• 56,000 deaths related to TBI.

The most common causes of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths were falls, being struck by or against an object, and motor vehicle crashes. In addition, from 2007 to 2013, the number of TBIs due to falls among older adults increased significantly. ED visits more than doubled, hospitalizations went up by half, and deaths rose by a third. This across-the-board increase illustrates the critical need to help older Americans prevent falls and protect their health and their independence.

Learn more and spread the word

CDC has several events, tools and resources to highlight Brain Injury Awareness month and TBI prevention.

• Coming March 22 - Rocket Blades: A new educational gaming app that’s designed to teach children age 6-8 years old about basic concussion safety. Through a futuristic world of galactic racing adventures, children can learn the benefits of playing it safe and smart. The app teaches children about the different ways the brain can get hurt during sports activities and how important it is to tell a coach, parent, or other adult when an injury occurs. Learn more!  
• Coaches and parents:  Are you looking for training and information about youth sports concussion? Check out the new CDC HEADS UP online training for youth sports coaches. This free online course will help you create a safe environment for young athletes so that they can stay healthy, active, and thrive - both on and off the playing field. Remember, changing the culture of concussion starts with you!
• Connect with @CDCInjury all month long to get TBI safety tips and information. CDC will use and follow the #NotAloneInBrainInjury hashtag on Twitter.

Additional CDC resources

• Concussion Safety
• CDC Injury Center: Traumatic Brain Injury
• CDC Injury Center: HEADS UP