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PREVENTION TEAMS:

Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries Across the Lifespan Team

Key Objective

Decrease the number of brain and spinal cord injuries suffered by Delaware citizens and improve the quality of life for those who have suffered these injuries in order to prevent further injury.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) - What's the Issue?

• A TBI is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.
• There is a risk of death or permanent disability with any TBI.
• The severity of a TBI may range from mild (i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). (CDC, 2013)
• Approximately 1.7 million people experience a TBI in the United States each year. Of these people,
  • 52,000 die
  • 275,000 are hospitalized
  • 1.365 million, nearly 80%, are treated and released from the Emergency Department.
• TBIs are a contributing factor in almost one-third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the U.S.

Source: CDC 2013

How Many TBI Related Deaths Occur in Delaware?

• In 2010, a TBI was identified as an underlying cause of death in 116 fatalities.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, CDC

What are the Leading Causes of TBIs?

• Falls
  • Falls are the leading cause of TBIs in the U.S. (35.2%)
  • 50% of TBIs among children age 0 to 14 years are caused by falls.
  • 61% of TBIs among adults age 65 years and older are the result of falls.
• Motor vehicle-traffic crashes
  • Motor vehicle-traffic crashes are the second leading cause of TBIs in the U.S. (17.3%)
  • Among all age groups, motor vehicle and traffic related crashes result in the largest percentage of TBI-related deaths (31.8%).
• Violence (assault, struck by/against event)
  • Assaults account for 10% of TBIs in the U.S.
  • Struck by/against events (including collisions with a moving or stationary object) are the second leading cause of TBIs among children aged 0 to 14 years (25%).

Source: CDC 2010

What are the Symptoms of a TBI?

The most common symptoms of a TBI are categorized into four areas (PETS):

The symptoms of a TBI may not appear immediately following the injury. It may be days or weeks before the symptoms become evident.

• Physical
  • Persistent headaches or neck pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Increased sensitivity to noise or light
  • Blurred vision
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
  • Feeling tired all of the time
• Emotional/Mood
  • Unexplainable changes in mood (i.e. feeling angry for no reason)
  • Sadness, irritability, nervousness or anxiety
• Thinking/Remembering

  

  • Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Feeling mentally slowed down (in thinking, speaking, acting, or comprehending)
• Sleeping
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Sleeping less than usual
  • Difficulty sleeping

Who is Most at Risk for a TBI?

• Anybody can suffer a TBI.
• Among all age groups, males are more at risk for a TBI than females.
• TBIs are most commonly sustained by three age groups
  • Children between the ages of 0 and 4
    • Males between 0 and 4 years of age have the highest rates of TBI-related Emergency Department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths combined
  • Older adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19
  • Adults age 65 and over.

Source:CDC 2013

What are the Risks Associated with Sports and Other Recreational Activities?

• A concussion is one type of TBI.
• Concussions can occur in any sport or recreational activity.
• Sports with the highest reported concussion rate
  • Men: Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Wrestling
  • Women: Basketball, Ice hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer

Source: Institute of Medicine, 2013

What are Some Strategies to Help Prevent a TBI?

• Fall Safety: Young Children
  • Supervise your child at home and on the playground.
  • Use safety devices, such as stair gates and child locks, to keep your child safe.
  • For sports and recreational activities, use the appropriate protective gear (i.e. helmets).
  • For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/SafeChild/falls
• Fall Safety: Older Adults
  • Remove tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, cords, and clutter on the floor.
  • Exercise daily to keep your body strong.
  • Be aware of your medications and the effects they can have on your body (and balance).
  • Regular eye exams and a healthy diet help keep your vision sharp.
  • For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/Features/OlderAmericans/
• Motor Vehicle Safety
  • Always wear your seatbelt when you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV or other motor vehicle.

    

  • Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Never get in a motor vehicle with someone you suspect has been drinking or doing drugs.
  • For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/
• Sports and Recreational Activities Safety
  • Wear protective (certified) protective gear, such as helmets, face shields, visors and other headgear.
  • Follow suggested safety rules; respect the game, the players and yourself.
  • Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

What Should I do if I think Someone I Know has a TBI?

• If you think someone you know has a TBI, contact an adult or a health care professional.
• Serious traumatic brain injuries need emergency treatment.

What is Delaware Doing to Increase Awareness About TBIs?

• Developing a strategic plan for TBI awareness.
• Participating in the Community of Practice on TBIs (Children's Safety Network) to learn the most current injury prevention practices.
• Delaware is currently not funded by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), but is participating in monthly educational programs (Community of Practice initiative).
• Held the first Delaware Youth Concussion Summit in May 2013 to develop a consensus plan to prevent TBIs among youth.

Are TBIs Linked with Spinal Cord Injuries?

• A TBI and a spinal cord injury (SCI) can occur in a single incident.
• An SCI is a trauma to the spine, often resulting in paralysis.
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of SCIs among people under the age of 65.
• Among people 65 and over, falls account for the most SCIs.
• Any of the safety tips for the prevention of TBI apply to SCI Prevention as well.

Source: THINK FIRST

Resource Links

• Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA)
• Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children - Concussion Clinic
• Center for Disease Control (CDC) Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports
• Youth Sports Safety Alliance

Other Helpful Links

• Children's Safety Network
• Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Aging and Adults with Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury Information
• National Spinal Cord Injury Association
• THINK FIRST

Member Agencies

• Brain Injury Association of Delaware
• Delaware Attorney General's Office
• Delaware Office of Children with Special Health Care Needs
• Safe Kids Delaware
• State Council for Persons with Disabilities Brain Injury Committee
• University of Delaware College of Health Sciences

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