Massachusetts statistics
- In 2014 there were 796 deaths among Massachusetts residents which were involved with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition there were 4,917 hospitalizations and 66,952 emergency department visits that involved a TBI.
- Unintentional falls were the leading cause of TBI-related deaths, hospitalizations and ED visits in 2014. Motor vehicle traffic crashes were the second leading cause of TBI-related deaths and hospitalizations, while being struck by or against an object or person was the second leading cause of TBI-related ED visits.
- Fall-related TBI death and injury rates increase dramatically among older adults. MA residents ages 65 and older had the highest number and rate of TBI-related deaths and hospitalizations.
- Massachusetts children ages 0-14 in Massachusetts have the highest rates of TBI-related emergency room visits
Prevention tips
- Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle
- Buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt (according to the child's height, weight, and age)
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets when:
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle
- Playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing
- Making living areas safer for seniors, by:
- Removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and clutter
- Using nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
- Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower
- Installing handrails on both sides of stairways
- Improving lighting throughout the home
- Maintaining a regular physical activity program, if your doctor agrees, to improve lower body strength and balance
- Making living areas safer for children, by:
- Installing window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows
- Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around
- Make sure the surface on your child's playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand
- Stay away from violence and guns