Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
A Mouse Model of Single and Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 20, 2017
Mild traumatic brain injury in the United States, 1998--2000
Jeffrey J Bazarian1, Jason McClung, Manish N Shah
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. jeff_bazarian@urmc.rochester.edu
Primary Objective:
To determine the incidence and epidemiology of emergency department (ED)-attended mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the US.
Research Design:
Secondary analysis of ED visits for mTBI in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1998--2000.
Methods And Procedures:
MTBI defined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM) codes for 'skull fracture', 'concussion', 'intracranial injury of unspecified nature' and 'head injury, unspecified'.
Main Outcome And Results:
The average incidence of mTBI was 503.1/100000, with peaks among males (590/100000), American Indians/Alaska Natives (1,026/100000) and those <5 years of age (1,115.2/100000). MTBI incidence was highest in the Midwest region (578.4/10000) and in non-urban areas (530.9/100000) of the US. Bicycles and sports accounted for 26.4% of mTBI in the 5-14 age group.
Conclusions:
The national burden of mTBI is significant and the incidence higher than that reported by others. Possible explanations are discussed. Bicycle and sports-related injuries are an important and highly preventable cause of mTBI underscoring the need to promote prevention programmes on a national level.
Insights
The incidence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in US emergency departments is higher than previously reported. Bicycle and sports injuries are significant, preventable causes of mTBI, highlighting the need for national prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant public health concern.
- Accurate incidence data is crucial for understanding the national burden of mTBI.
- Previous estimates of mTBI incidence may not fully capture emergency department visits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and epidemiology of emergency department (ED)-attended mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the United States.
- To identify demographic and geographic patterns associated with mTBI.
- To investigate common causes of mTBI, particularly in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 1998-2000.
- mTBI was identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM) codes.
- Codes included 'skull fracture', 'concussion', 'intracranial injury of unspecified nature', and 'head injury, unspecified'.
Main Results:
- The average incidence of mTBI was 503.1 per 100,000 population.
- Incidence peaked among males (590/100,000), American Indians/Alaska Natives (1,026/100,000), and children under 5 years (1,115.2/100,000).
- Higher incidence was observed in the Midwest region and non-urban areas; bicycles and sports accounted for 26.4% of mTBI in 5-14 year olds.
Conclusions:
- The national burden of mTBI is substantial, with an incidence exceeding prior reports.
- Bicycle and sports-related injuries are a major, preventable cause of mTBI.
- There is a critical need for enhanced national prevention programs targeting these injuries.
