Trends in Fall-Related Traumatic Brain Injury among Older Persons in Connecticut from 2000-2007

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Traumatology

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence suggests an increasing incidence of fall-related traumatic brain injuries (FR-TBI) in individuals aged 70 and above.
• This study aims to provide a data-driven analysis of this trend.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally document and analyze the rates of emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and terminal hospitalizations due to FR-TBI in persons aged 70 years and older.
• To examine age-stratified trends within this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized observational data spanning eight years (2000-2007).
• Data was collected from emergency departments and acute care hospitals in a densely populated region of southern Connecticut, U.S.
• Included analysis of overall and age-stratified rates of FR-TBI outcomes.

Main Results:

• From 2000-2007, ED visits for FR-TBI in those 70+ more than doubled; hospitalizations and terminal hospitalizations each increased by 58%.
• The oldest age stratum showed nearly triple the growth rate in ED visits compared to the younger stratum, with hospitalization growth rates nearly four times higher.
• Medicare costs for ED visits increased nearly four-fold, while hospitalization costs rose by 64% and terminal hospitalization costs by 76%.

Conclusions:

• The significant rise in FR-TBI rates and associated Medicare costs necessitates urgent prevention strategies.
• Increased public awareness and diagnostic imaging utilization may contribute to the observed rise in FR-TBI rates.