Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Facts

• 1.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the US each year; 50,000 die, and 235,000 are hospitalized as a result of brain injury (CDC).
  
  
• A brain injury occurs every 23 seconds in the US (BIA-USA, 2006)
  
  
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more prevalent in the US than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries (CDC, 2006).
  
  
• 5.3 million Americans are currently living with disabilities resulting from TBI, and 80,000-90,000 join their ranks each year (CDC).
  
  
• Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability for people between the ages of 15 and 24 (CDC).
  
  
• The cost of TBI in the US is estimated to be $60 billion each year (CDC).

In Massachusetts:

• Approximately, 44,000 people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year.
  
  
• TBI hospitalizations from falls increased 93 percent (over 10 years).
  
  
• Nearly 80 children were killed or injured after being shaken by a parent or caregiver (2001-2004).
  
  
• 248,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol.
  
  
• More than a million drivers don't wear seat belts; 80 percent of those killed in car crashes (Worcester County) were unbuckled.

Prevention is the only Cure:

• More than 85 percent of all TBIs are preventable.
  
  
• Seat belts are 57 percent effective in preventing traumatic and fatal brain injuries.
  
  
• Properly fitted helmets reduce the risk of brain injuries by 88 percent.
  
  
• Over half of all brain injuries are related to alcohol and drug abuse.
  
  
• More than one-third of teen driver fatalities involve speeding.