Low- and High-Energy Falls With Associated Traumatic Brain Injury: Epidemiology and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Falls are a leading cause of emergency department visits and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Limited research exists on differences between low-energy and high-energy falls in TBI patients.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare population characteristics and outcomes of TBI patients based on fall energy (low vs. high).
• To identify factors associated with low-energy versus high-energy falls in TBI cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of TBI patients at an urban trauma center (2017-2022).
• Defined low-energy falls (ground to 3 ft) and high-energy falls (>3 ft).
• Compared patient groups using descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses.

Main Results:

• 760 low-energy and 93 high-energy falls with TBI were identified.
• High-energy falls were associated with younger age, orthopedic injuries, and alcohol use.
• No significant differences in injury severity (ISS, GCS), TBI severity, or mortality were found between fall energy groups.

Conclusions:

• Younger individuals experiencing high-energy falls with TBI are more prone to fractures and alcohol involvement.
• Fall energy level did not correlate with increased injury severity or mortality in this cohort.
• Prevention strategies should address factors like age and alcohol use to reduce fall-related TBI.