Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Result From Se...(alinjuries for those 65 and over. Thi...),Health

This study analyzed 2005 data from the National Center for Health Statistics' National Vital Statistics System and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Key findings are:

-- Death rates for fall-related TBIs were higher among men than women (26.9

per 100,000 and 17.8 per 100,000, respectively).

-- Rates for fall-related TBI hospitalizations were similar Hidden

List among men and women (146.3 per 100,000 and 158.3 per 100,000,

respectively).

-- Death and hospitalization rates for fall-related TBIs generally

increased with age. Hidden List

Additional findings:

-- The majority of men and women hospitalized with a fall-related TBI spent

two to six days in the hospital (54.9 percent of men; 61.5 percent of

women).

-- The median total charges for these hospitalizations were $19,191 for men

and $16,006 for women.

Arias also points out that as more baby boomers reach retirement age, these types of injuries will increase demands on the health care system unless action is taken to prevent the injuries. "CDC has developed tips and suggestions for older adults, their caregivers, health care providers, and communities to help prevent falls," Arias said.

For older adults, their children, caregivers, and health care providers, CDC recently developed the 'Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury' initiative. Developed in collaboration with 26 organizations, it features easy-to-use English- and Spanish-language materials in a concise question-and-answer format to help prevent, recognize, and respond to TBI. For more information and materials, visit http://www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors.

CDC has also created resources for practitioners and community-based organ
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