SURVEILLANCE OF TBIRELATED EMERGENCY 

DEPARTMENT VISITS, 

HOSPITALIZATIONS, 

AND DEATHS – 

UNITED STATES, 2001-2010 

TBI-related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths
 

This report summarizes data on traumatic brain 

injury (TBI)-related emergency department visits, 

hospitalizations, and deaths from 2001-2010, by 

sex, age group, and injury mechanism. Updated 

TBI data and statistics are available on the CDC 

website. 

This report includes TBI morbidity and mortality data 

collected from multiple sources. Data on emergency 

department visits come from the National Hospital 

Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Hospitalization data 

come from the National Hospital Discharge Survey. 

Mortality data come from the National Vital Statistics 

System multiple-cause-of-death files. 

Centers for Disease LEARN MORE Control and Prevention 

National Center for Injury TBI: www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury 

Prevention and Control HEADS UP: www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS, HOSPITALIZATIONS, 3
 

AND DEATHS 


Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits, 3
 

Hospitalizations, and Deaths
 

Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits, 5
 

Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Sex
 

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS 6
 

Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits 6
 

by Sex
 

Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits 7
 

by Age Group
 

Distribution of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits 8
 

by Age Group and Injury Mechanism
 

HOSPITALIZATIONS 9
 

Rates of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Sex 9 


Rates of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group 10
 

Distribution of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age 11
 

Group and Injury Mechanism
 

DEATHS 12
 

Rates of TBI-related Deaths by Sex 12 


Rates of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group 13
 

Distribution of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group 14
 

and Injury Mechanism
 

2
 

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS, HOSPITALIZATIONS, 

AND DEATHS 

Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, 

and Deaths 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

In general, the total combined rates for traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths increased from 2001 to 2010. Total combined rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and 

deaths climbed slowly from a rate of 521.0 per 100,000 in 2001 to 615.7 per 100,000 in 2005. Total combined rates 

decreased to 595.1 per 100,000 during 2006, followed by a sharp increase to 728.9 per 100,000 in 2008. From 2009 to 

2010, total combined rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths continued to climb with rates of 791.9 

and 823.7, respectively. 

Total combined rates of TBI-related hospitalizations, ED visits, and deaths were driven in large part by the relatively high 

number of TBI-related ED visits. In comparison to ED visits, the overall rates of TBI-related hospitalizations remained 

relatively stable, changing from 82.7 per 100,000 in 2001 to 91.7 per 100,000 in 2010. TBI-related deaths decreased 

slightly over time from 18.5 per 100,000 in 2001 to 17.1 per 100,000 in 2010. Note that the axis scale for TBI-related 

deaths appears to the right of the chart, whereas the axis for TBI-related hospitalizations and ED visits is to the left of 

the chart. 

Rates of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths– United States, 2001-2010 

3
Rates of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths– United States, 2001-2010 

ED Visits Hospitalizations Deaths Total 

2001 420.6 82.7 18.5 521.0

2002 433.9 85.6 18.3 537.2

2003 423.3 94.6 18.2 535.4

2004 486.3 97.6 18.1 601.3

2005 505.0 92.8 18.6 615.7

2006 478.9 98.7 18.2 595.1

2007 457.5 91.7 18.2 566.7

2008 616.4 95.5 17.7 728.9

2009 677.4 98.0 17.2 791.9

2010 715.7 91.7 17.1 823.7

National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey — United States, 2001-2010 (Emergency Department Visits)
 

National Hospital Discharge Survey — United States, 2001–2010 (Hospitalizations)
 

National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data — United States, 2001–2010 (Deaths)
 4
 

Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, 

and Deaths by Sex 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

Overall, rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths climbed slowly from 2001 through 2007, then spiked 

sharply in 2008, and continued to climb through 2010. In 2007, overall rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, 

and deaths were 26% higher in men compared to women. The increase in TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and 

deaths rates in 2008 was much sharper for men (nearly a 40% increase) than for women (20% increase). In 2008, that 

gap began to widen, reaching 61% in 2009 before narrowing to 29% in 2010. Rates of overall TBI are largely driven by 

rates of TBI-related ED visits. 

Rates of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths by Sex– United States, 


2001-2010
 

Men Women 

2001 27.8 9.6

2002 27.4 9.5

2003 27.2 9.6

2004 26.8 9.8

2005 27.8 9.7

2006 27.2 9.5

2007 27.0 9.5

2008 26.5 9.1

2009 25.5 9.1

2010 25.4 9.0

National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey — United States, 2001-2010 (Emergency Department Visits)
 

National Hospital Discharge Survey — United States, 2001–2010 (Hospitalizations)
 

National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data — United States, 2001–2010 (Deaths)
 5
 

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS 

Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits by Sex 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

For each year, 2001–2010, men had higher rates of TBI-related ED visits compared to women. For men, rates of TBIrelated ED visits increased by more than 50% over the time period, from 494.6 visits per 100,000 in 2001 to 800.4 per 

100,000 in 2010. Similarly, rates of TBI-related ED visits in women increased from 349.3 per 100,000 in 2001 to 633.7 

per 100,000 in 2010. From 2007 – 2010, there was a striking increase in rates among both men and women. Rates among 

men grew from 491.6 per 100,000 in 2007 to 800.4 per 100,000 in 2010, a 63% increase. Similarly, rates among women 

increased from 424.3 per 100,000 in 2007 to 633.7 per 100,000 in 2010, a 49% increase. 

Rates of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits by Sex– United States, 2001-2010 

Men Women 

2001 494.6 349.3

2002 525.8 345.1

2003 500.8 348.4

2004 582.4 393.2

2005 590.9 421.6

2006 538.1 421.4

2007 491.6 424.3

2008 714.1 521.2

2009 850.9 508.1

2010 800.4 633.7

National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey — United States, 2001-2010 (Emergency Department Visits) 6
Rates of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits by Age Group 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

Rates of TBI-related ED visits increased for all age groups from the period of 2001–2002 through 2009–2010. The rates 

of TBI-related ED visits increased the most for youth four years of age and younger. From 2007–2008 to 2009–2010, the 

rates of TBI-related ED visits in this group increased by more than 50% from 1374.0 to 2193.8 per 100,000. Children 0 

to 4 years of age had the highest rates of any age group, typically with almost twice the rate of those in the next highest 

age group (15–24 year-olds). 

Rates of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits by Age Group– United States, 2001-2010 

Rates of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits by Age Group– United States, 2001-2010 

0–4 yr 5–14 yr 15–24 yr 25–44 yr 45–64 yr 65+ yr 

2001–2002 1112.6 498.8 576.9 388.3 164.8 373.1

2003–2004 1272.3 529.8 827.5 320.3 197.3 293.3

2005–2006 1268.3 591.4 648.3 373.0 267.0 485.8

2007–2008 1374.0 590.2 811.3 366.7 307.4 544.7

2009–2010 2193.8 888.7 981.9 470.0 328.2 603.3

National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey — United States, 2001-2010 (Emergency Department Visits) 7
Distribution of TBI-related Emergency Department Visits by Age Group 

and Injury Mechanism 

UNITED STATES, 2006–2010 

The injury mechanisms (external causes of injury) associated with TBI-related ED visits varied by age group between 

2006-2010. Falls were the primary mechanisms of TBI-related ED visits in the youngest (0–4 years) and oldest (65 years 

and older) age groups, accounting for 72.8% and 81.8% of TBI-related ED visits, respectively. Injuries caused by being 

struck by/against an object (34.9%) and falls (35.1%) accounted for the majority of injury in youth 5–14 years of age with 

respect to TBI-related ED visits. For persons in age groups 15–24 years and 25–44 years, the proportions of TBI-related 

ED visits due to assaults, falls, and motor vehicle crashes were nearly equal within and across both age groups. 

Distribution of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits by Age Group and Injury Mechanism– United States, 

2006-2010 

Number of TBI-Related Emergency Department Visits by Age Group and Injury Mechanism– United States, 

2006-2010 

Motor Vehicle 

Crashes Falls Assault Struck by/ Against 

All Other 

Causes Unknown 

0–4 14,655 250,413 1,513 53,761 13,222 10,225

5–14 18,110 101,790 16,612 101,112 31,355 20,763

15–24 76,602 77,951 81,822 71,031 34,486 22,722

25–44 75,122 80,867 75,527 49,505 36,933 22,855

45–64 46,923 95,824 28,206 36,925 15,843 18,804

≥ 65 10,359 174,544 4,068 12,815 6,285 5,216

National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey — United States, 2001-2010 (Emergency Department Visits) 8
HOSPITALIZATIONS
 

Rates of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Sex 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

For each year between 2001–2010, men had higher rates of TBI-related hospitalizations compared to women. For men, 

while the rate of TBI-related hospitalizations fluctuated between these years, the rates in 2010 (106.3 per 100,000) 

remained virtually unchanged from the rate in 2001 (104.0 per 100,000). In contrast, rates of TBI-related hospitalizations 

in women increased by 20%, from 62.1 per 100,000 in 2001 to 77.6 per 100,000 in 2010. 

Rates of TBI-Related Hospitalizations by Sex– United States, 2001-2010 

Men Women 

2001 104.0 62.1

2002 107.3 64.7

2003 121.9 68.2

2004 123.0 72.9

2005 113.7 72.6

2006 124.3 73.8

2007 115.5 68.6

2008 123.1 68.6

2009 105.9 90.4

2010 106.3 77.6

National Hospital Discharge Survey — United States, 2001–2010 (Hospitalizations) 9
Rates of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

Changes in the rates of TBI-related hospitalizations varied depending on age between 2001-2010. For persons 44 years of 

age and younger, TBI-related hospitalizations decreased between the periods of 2001–2002 and 2009–2010. However, 

rates for age groups 45–64 years of age and 65 years and older increased between these time periods. Rates in persons 

45–64 years of age increased almost 25% from 60.1 to 79.4 per 100,000. Rates of TBI-related hospitalizations in persons 

65 years of age and older increased more than 50%, from 191.5 to 294.0 per 100,000 during the same period, largely due 

to a substantial increase (39%) between 2007–2008 and 2009–2010. In contrast, rates of TBI-related hospitalizations 

in youth 5–14 years of age fell from 54.5 to 23.1 per 100,000, decreasing by more than 50% during this period. 

Rates of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group – United States, 2001-2010 

Rates of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group – United States, 2001-2010 

0–4 yr 5–14 yr 15–24 yr 25–44 yr 45–64 yr 65+ yr 

2001–2002 70.3 54.5 104.1 65.9 60.1 191.5

2003–2004 78.7 48.5 126.6 76.4 67.9 224.2

2005–2006 73.3 42.5 97.1 74.2 83.7 237.5

2007–2008 63.4 40.0 106.5 75.2 83.9 211.4

2009–2010 57.7 23.1 81.2 65.3 79.4 294.0

National Hospital Discharge Survey — United States, 2001–2010 (Hospitalizations) 10
Distribution of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group and Injury 

Mechanism 

UNITED STATES, 2006–2010 

The injury mechanisms (external causes of injury) associated with TBI-related ED visits varied by age group between 

2006-2010. Falls were the primary mechanisms of TBI-related ED visits in the youngest (0–4 years) and oldest (65 years 

and older) age groups, accounting for 72.8% and 81.8% of TBI-related ED visits, respectively. Injuries caused by being 

struck by/against an object (34.9%) and falls (35.1%) accounted for the majority of injury in youth 5–14 years of age with 

respect to TBI-related ED visits. For persons in age groups 15–24 years and 25–44 years, the proportions of TBI-related 

ED visits due to assaults, falls, and motor vehicle crashes were nearly equal within and across both age groups. 

Distribution of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group and Injury Mechanism – United States,
 

2006-2010
 

Number of TBI-related Hospitalizations by Age Group and Injury Mechanism – United States, 

2006-2010 

Motor Vehicle 

Crashes Falls Assault Struck by/ Against 

All Other 

Causes Unknown 

0–4 1,116 6,184 1,044 589 1,327 3,123

5–14 2,306 3,077 111 1,118 2,887 3,976

15–24 13,257 2,590 4,131 1,230 5,949 13,517

25–44 15,522 7,045 6,134 777 4,670 25,539

45–64 12,178 15,962 2,668 1,296 6,091 26,775

≥ 65 5,282 36,525 285 912 3,774 50,197

National Hospital Discharge Survey — United States, 2001–2010 (Hospitalizations) 11
DEATHS 

Rates of TBI-related Deaths by Sex 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

Rates of TBI-related deaths decreased for both men and women between the years 2001–2010. During these ten years, 

rates in men decreased from 27.8 to 25.4 per 100,000 and rates in women decreased from 9.6 to 9.0 per 100,000. In 

each year, men had more than twice the rate of TBI-related deaths compared to women. 

Rates of TBI-Related Deaths by Sex– United States, 2001-2010 

Men Women 

2001 27.8 9.6

2002 27.4 9.5

2003 27.2 9.6

2004 26.8 9.8

2005 27.8 9.7

2006 27.2 9.5

2007 27.0 9.5

2008 26.5 9.1

2009 25.5 9.1

2010 25.4 9.0

National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data — United States, 2001-2010 (Deaths) 12
Rates of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group 

UNITED STATES, 2001–2010 

Rates of TBI-related deaths varied depending on age. For persons 44 years of age and younger, TBI-related deaths 

decreased between the periods of 2001–2002 and 2009–2010. Rates for those aged 45–64 years remained stable for 

this same ten-year period. For persons 65 years and older, rates of TBI-related deaths increased during this time period, 

from 41.2 to 45.2 deaths per 100,000. 

Rates of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group – United States, 2001-2010 

Rates of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group – United States, 2001-2010 

0–4 yr 5–14 yr 15–24 yr 25–44 yr 45–64 yr 65+ yr 

2001–2002 5.2 3.2 23.4 17.6 17.5 41.2

2003–2004 5.2 3.0 22.0 16.8 17.7 42.1

2005–2006 5.0 2.7 21.2 16.8 18.1 43.8

2007–2008 4.6 2.2 18.7 16.00 17.9 44.9

2009–2010 4.3 1.9 15.6 14.6 17.6 45.2

National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data — United States, 2001-2010 (Deaths) 13
Distribution of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group and Injury Mechanism
 

UNITED STATES, 2006–2010 

The injury mechanisms (external causes of injury) associated with TBI-related deaths varied by age group between 

2006-2010. TBI-related deaths in children 0–4 years were primarily associated with assault (42.9%) and motor vehicle 

crashes (29.2%). Motor vehicle crashes accounted for a majority of TBI-related deaths (55.8%) in youth 5–14 years, 

and contributed to almost half (47.4%) of TBI-related deaths in young adults aged 15-24 years. Falls accounted for the 

majority (54.4%) of TBI-related deaths in adults 65 years of age and older. 

Distribution of TBI-related Deaths by Age Group and Injury Mechanism – United States, 2006-2010 

Number of TBI-Related Deaths by Age Group and Injury Mechanism– United States, 2006-2010 

Motor Vehicle 

Traffic Falls Assault Struck by/ Against Self-Inflicted All Other Causes 

0–4 278 37 408 32 196

5–14 488 21 131 19 58 158

15–24 3,670 139 1,515 28 1,834 551

25–44 4,310 548 2,151 88 4,587 1,186

45–64 3,230 2,077 1,142 126 5,601 1,710

≥ 65 1,651 9,444 357 79 3,362 2,483

National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data — United States, 2001-2010 (Deaths) 14