The state of New York provides voluminous statistics on a wide range of health topics. One of these relates to traumatic brain injury (TBI) one of the most common consequences of motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, slip and falls on dangerous premises, and even mistreatment in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. What do these numbers tell us about this type of injury in the Empire State?
First, the incidence of (TBI) appears to be rising slowly. This may be a consequence of improved diagnosis, or it may be that people are more likely to suffer brain injury today than they were 20 years ago.
Second, falls and traffic-related incidents are the primary causes of TBI across the state. Other causes include being assaulted or struck, being in a bicycle accident, or being a pedestrian.
Third, since New York City is the most densely populated area of the state by far, it is not surprising that it has the largest number of emergency room visits for TBI (numbers from 2008)
What is interesting about the numbers is that New York City does not have the highest rate of emergency room visits due to TBI. That distinction goes to Fulton County, a rural upstate county on the edge of Adirondack State Park.
Although its rate of emergency room treatment due to TBI was relatively low, that does not hold true for hospital admissions. Brooklyn (Kings County) and Queens were the two highest counties in the state for hospital admissions due to TBI (numbers from 2008).
There is a great deal of public attention given to TBI. Teens playing football, soldiers back from Iraq, and people injured in car accidents are all potential victims. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur every year across the United States. The CDC is dedicated to developing and publicizing ways to reduce the incidence of brain injury across all age groups.
However, until people no longer fall down, play football or drive, TBI will be with us to some degree. Recovering from a brain injury can take a lot of time – if recovery is possible. If you suffered a brain injury because of another’s negligence, talk with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer about your legal options.
Source: New York Department of Health, Brain Injury Data and Statistics.