Causes of TBI

In the United States, motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents are by far the leading cause of all TBI's, accounting for approximately 50 percent of such injuries. Falls are the second leading cause, accounting for more than 20 percent of all TBI. Gunshots/assaults and sports/recreational accidents are the next most prevalent causes of TBI. In dense urban areas, a higher percent of assaults are seen. Work related trauma and suicide attempts also account for many TBI's. Also important is the fact that nearly 50% of all person's sustaining a TBI were intoxicated at the time of the accident.

On a positive note, recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that traumatic brain injuries decreased by 11.4% between 1989 and 1998. The decline in TBI's may be related to an overall reduction in all types of injury rates due to reduction strategies such as seat belt safety laws, stricter licensing procedures and community education campaigns.

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