Skip to main content
This page, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) statistics and prevention, is part of
This page, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) statistics and prevention, is offered by

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) statistics and prevention

Learn how TBI affects Massachusetts residents, and how you can prevent injury.

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

(Adapted from CDC)

Feedback