Millions of people around the world are impacted by traumatic brain injury, or TBI, every year, making it a major cause of death and disability. Brain Injury Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn more about this type of injury, such as through the “Change Your Mind” Campaign from the Brain Injury Association of America.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 2.8 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States in 2013. TBIs contributed to about 30 percent of injury deaths, though most TBIs are relatively mild.
Rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths are highest among adults age 75 or older, with falls as the most common injury mechanism among this group. In addition to falls, other common causes for TBI across age groups include motor vehicle crashes, assault and intentional self-harm.
In TBI, neurological tissues or structures have been damaged, such as by an impact, penetrating injury, or rapid shaking or rotation. Concussions are a common, though usually mild, form of TBI. The effects of TBI vary significantly between individuals and can have far-reaching effects. Continued research into TBI causes, treatment, rehabilitation and outcomes is vital to reducing negative impacts from these injuries.
Our upcoming April 25 webinar on adult TBI is currently taking registrations, and CNE credit is available. This webinar includes topics on causes, care, rehabilitation and outcomes led by leading researchers in the field, and it is a joint initiative with the Washington State Department of Health. Learn more or Register at Eventbrite.
Our previous webinar on pediatric TBI is available to view online, and CNE credit is also currently available for this webinar as well.
HIPRC faculty also lead a number of ongoing research projects around TBI, and we will highlight a number of these projects in March with a TBI blog series.