CDC Releases Latest Information About TBI Deaths

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the latest surveillance report about traumatic brain injury (TBI) deaths. The information, collected from 1997 to 2007, is compiled to help provide insights to help doctors, public health officials, and other professionals assess the impact of brain-related injuries.

There is some good news in the report:  The death rate from TBI-related injuries decreased by 8.2% compared to the previous 10 years. However, the bad news far outweighs the good. According to the CDC:

• About one-third of all injury-related deaths—or about 53,000 cases—involve traumatic brain injury.
• Despite the overall decreased death rate, the rate of TBI-related death increased for people age 75 and older.
• TBI deaths are three times higher among men than women.
• The top three causes of TBI-related deaths are firearms, automobile wrecks, and falls. Compared to the previous 10 years, the incidence of deaths related to falls is the only one to have increased.

To read a full copy of the report, click here:  CDC report on TBI