Outside of combat, the leading causes of TBI include falls, motor vehicle collisions, and violence. In fact, it’s estimated that over 28% of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States are due to falls.
Falls are considered the leading cause of TBI, and the rates of injury are highest for children ages 4 years and younger, and adults ages 75 years and older. However, older children and some adults are also likely to fall as the result of athletic activities. Some of the more common activities include tackle football, rugby, soccer, skiing, skateboarding, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and many other sports.
Motor vehicle collisions cause almost 20% of brain injuries. These collisions lead to the largest number of TBI-related hospital stays in the U.S. The rate of motor vehicle or traffic-related TBI is highest among teenagers, 15 to 19 years old.
Impact-related injuries are another common cause of TBI, either from the head hitting a stationary object, or from a moving object colliding with the head. It’s estimated that up to 19% of traumatic brain injuries are caused in this way.
Violence is another cause of brain injury. It’s estimated that close to 11% of non-combat related brain injuries are the result of assaults, and that gun use is the leading cause of fatal traumatic brain injuries. In fact, 9 out of 10 victims of gun- shot wounds to the head do not survive. Nearly two-thirds of gun-related TBIs are believed to be suicide attempts.
Fortunately, there is some good news about traumatic brain injury in the U.S. Most TBIs are mild injuries that do not require long-term medical care. However, it is important to seek medical care after any head injury, especially if it leads to a loss of consciousness. The awareness of TBI among health care providers and the general public has led to improved diagnosis and treatment.
The Department of Defense and the Veteran’s Administration are playing a leading role in researching and effectively treating traumatic brain injury in both civilian and military populations.