Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Definition: A trauma to the brain, not of degenerative or congenital nature, caused by an external physical force that may produce diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning and/or a disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning

In the United States

· 1.5 Million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually

· 50,000 will die annually as a result of TBI

· 80,000 experience long-term disabilities following TBI

· 5.3 million Americans are living with a TBI related disability

· TBI costs U.S. $48.3 billion a year

Compare Annual Incidences:

Traumatic Brain Injury 1,500,000
Breast Cancer 176,300
HIV/AIDS 43,681
Spinal Cord Injuries 11,000
Multiple Sclerosis 10,400

Injury and Disability Prevalences
400,000 with Spinal Cord Injuries
500,000 with Cerebral Palsy
2 Million with Epilepsy
3 Million with Stroke Disabilities
4 Million with Alzheimer’s Disease
5 Million with persistent Mental Illness
5.3 Million with TBI Disabilities
7.3 Million with Mental Retardation

TBI Percent by Cause in the United States
(14 States, 1995-96)
Transportation 45%
Falls 26%
Violence 17%
Other/Unknown 12%

TBI Percent by Cause in Louisiana
(1996-1999)

Transportation 46%
Falls 34%
Violence 12%
Other/Unknown 8%

This information is from the Brain Injury Association of America from the Centers for Disease Control. “Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: A Report to Congress.” www: Centers for Disease Control (January 16, 2001)
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Average Rate of TBI Per 100,000 Residents
(National average of TBI is 95)

United States 95
Louisiana 90
White Males 147.4
Black Males 117
White Females 63.2
Black Females 47.3

Incidence Rate of TBI in Metro Orleans Parishes per 100,000 Residents

Orleans Parish 537
Jefferson Parish 335
St. Tammany Parish 152

Estimated Outcome of TBI

Death 32%

Good Independent with some minor deficits Resumes life activities Return to pre-injury levels not implied 55%

Moderate Disabled but independent 9%

Severe Disabled, dependent Conscious and responsive 3%

PVS Persistent Vegetative State 1%

Additional Statistics

· The highest rates of TBI are among persons aged 15-24 and 65 years and older.

· For all causes of injury, the highest incidence of TBI is falls among those 65 and older.

· The incidence for motor vehicle crash-related TBI are highest among persons aged 15-24 years of age.

· Only 27 % of those sustaining a TBI as a result of vehicle were known to be wearing personal protective equipment (seat belts and helmets.)

Please note, unless stated otherwise, the Louisiana facts are from the “Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury in Louisiana, 1996-1999 Cumulative Report,” Injury Research & Prevention Section, Office of Public Health, State of Louisiana, Department of Health and Hospitals.