Deaths from Fall-Related Traumatic Brain Injury - United States, 2008-2017

• Published in: MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report Vol. 69; no. 9; pp. 225 - 230
• Main Authors: Peterson, Alexis B, Kegler, Scott R
• Format: Journal Article Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: United States U.S. Government Printing Office 06.03.2020; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - mortality; Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Brain; Brain injuries; Brain Injuries, Traumatic - etiology; Brain Injuries, Traumatic - mortality; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Full Report; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; United States - epidemiology; Young Adult; United States
• ISSN: 0149-2195; 1545-861X
• DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6909a2

One in 10 U.S. residents aged ≥18 years reports falling each year (1). Among all age groups, falls can cause serious injury and are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related deaths (2). TBI is a head injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body or a penetrating head injury that results in disruption of normal brain function.* CDC estimated national and state-specific rates and trends for TBI-related deaths (TBI deaths) caused by unintentional falls (fall-related TBI deaths) among U.S. residents during 2008-2017, by selected decedent characteristics. The national age-adjusted rate of fall-related TBI deaths increased by 17% from 2008 to 2017. Rate trends at the national level increased significantly for nearly all decedent characteristics, with the most notable increases observed among persons living in noncore (i.e., most rural), nonmetropolitan counties and those aged ≥75 years. Analysis of state-specific rate trends determined that rates of fall-related TBI deaths increased significantly in 29 states over the 10-year study period. A fall can happen to anyone of any age, but falls are preventable. Health care providers and the public need to be aware of evidence-based strategies to prevent falls, given that rates of fall-related TBI deaths are increasing. Health care providers can educate patients on fall and TBI prevention, assess their risk for falls, and when needed, encourage participation in appropriate evidence-based fall prevention programs. .