National Hospital Care Survey Demonstration Projects: Traumatic Brain Injury

A new report from NCHS examines traumatic brain injury (TBI) encounters in various hospital settings. While the National Hospital Care Survey (NHCS) data used were not nationally representative, the results presented are consistent with previous research studies.

Analyses were conducted to highlight the tremendous analytical capabilities of NHCS, capabilities that have not been available before in previous surveys. New data elements such as intensive care use and diagnostic and physical services received, and the ability to link individuals in NHCS across hospital settings are used in the analyses.

Findings:

• Males have more TBI encounters than females across the inpatient, Emergency Department (ED), and Outpatient Department (OPD) settings and across all age groups.
• Children under age 15 comprise most ED visits for TBI.
• Adults aged 65 and over accounted for most TBI hospitalizations.
• Falls were the most common cause of TBI encounters.