Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
11:28
A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015
12.6K
Firearm-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Homicides in the United States, 2000-2019
Dana Waltzman1, Kelly Sarmiento1, Jill Daugherty1
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Division of Injury Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Neurosurgery
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Firearm-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) homicides are a major public health issue, accounting for most TBI deaths. Rates declined slightly, but increased for women and nonmetro residents, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of homicide deaths in the U.S.
- Penetrating TBI from firearms has a high mortality rate, requiring specialized care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze incidence patterns of firearm and non-firearm TBI homicides in the U.S. from 2000-2019.
- To examine demographic variations in TBI homicide rates to inform prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized National Vital Statistics System data (2000-2019).
- Calculated age-adjusted rates and percentages of TBI homicides by demographic factors.
- Evaluated temporal trends in firearm and non-firearm TBI homicides.
Main Results:
- 77,602 firearm-related TBI homicides occurred between 2000-2019.
- Firearms accounted for 68% of all TBI homicides.
- Non-firearm TBI homicides decreased by 40%, while firearm TBI homicides decreased by only 3%.
- Firearm TBI homicide rates increased by 20% for women and 39% for nonmetro residents from 2012/2013 to 2019.
Conclusions:
- Firearm violence is a critical public health concern linked to most U.S. TBI homicide deaths.
- Study findings can guide prevention efforts and research for reducing firearm-related TBI homicides.
