State Programs: Core SVIPP | Injury Center | CDC

State Programs: Core SVIPP | Injury Center | CDC

News findings & resources from CDC’s Traumatic Brain Injury Team on National Concussion Awareness Day

September 18th is National Concussion Awareness Day! Recognized the third Friday of each September, this observance provides an important opportunity to discuss concussion awareness and prevention. CDC is committed to finding answers for Americans concerned about concussion and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI). CDC released new publications that highlight the state-level burden of TBIs.

Reports on state-level TBI rates find marked differences between some states

To improve the understanding of TBI incidence by state, CDC analyzed state-level TBI numbers, rates, and key factors that affect incidence (including age and sex). Three reports that present these analyses are included in the upcoming issue of Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. The reports are based on data collected through CDC Injury Center’s Core State Violence and Injury Prevention Program. The first report, State-Level Numbers and Rates of Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Emergency Department (ED) Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths, 2014 found: Massachusetts had the highest rate and South Dakota had the lowest rate of TBI-related ED visits. Pennsylvania had the highest rate and Ohio had the lowest rate of TBI-related hospitalizations. Oklahoma had the highest rate and New Jersey had the lowest rate of TBI-related deaths. The second report, State-Level Numbers and Rates of Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Age, 2014 found: New Jersey had the highest rate and South Dakota had the lowest rate of TBI-related ED visits among children and young adults (age 0-24 years). Arizona had the highest rate and Virginia had the lowest rate of TBI-related hospitalizations among adults (age 25-64 years). Colorado had the highest rate and New Jersey had the lowest rate of TBI-related deaths among older adults (age 65 years and older). The third report, State-Level Numbers and Rates of Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Sex, 2014 found: In all states, males had higher rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths than females, but the magnitude of the difference varied greatly by state. Pennsylvania had the highest rate and Ohio had the lowest rate of TBI-related hospitalizations among females. Oklahoma had the highest rate and New Jersey had the lowest rate of TBI-related deaths among males. What can be done: State health departments and others can use this information to develop targeted strategies for TBI prevention and care. Learn more here: Traumatic Brain Injury CDC’s HEADS UP education campaign

Lifetime history of TBI with loss of consciousness is associated with higher rates of depression and risky behaviors in North Carolina

CDC collaborated with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to analyze data from the 2017 North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Findings from the report, Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury with Loss of Consciousness and the Likelihood for Lifetime Depression and Risk Behaviors: 2017 BRFSS North Carolina, include: Respondents with a history of TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC) had double the odds of lifetime depression; and Higher odds (1.7 to 1.8 times) of risk behaviors, such as: binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and e-cigarette use. What can be done: Continuing education for healthcare providers is needed about lifetime depression and risk behaviors among individuals with a history of TBI with LOC. Improved screenings and referrals to evidence-based services may lead to better health outcomes.

News and Announcements

The HEADS UP to Health Care Providers online training is now available on CDC TRAIN. This training course, developed by CDC in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is designed to provide clinical guidance for healthcare providers on evidence-based practices for the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of pediatric mild TBI.             This free training offers CME credits. Sign up today! New Webpage Alert! The TBI Team recently published a new Health Disparities and TBI webpage. The page highlights several disparities related to TBI incidence, prevalence, and outcomes and lists ways CDC is working to reduce these disparities.

For more information, contact InjuryPrevention@cdc.gov.