The epidemiology of severe traumatic brain injury among persons 65 years of age and older in Oklahoma, 1992-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among persons 65 years of age and older in Oklahoma from 1992-2003.


METHODS
Descriptive epidemiology of data collected through active statewide surveillance on TBI inpatient hospitalizations and fatalities.


METHODS
Data collected from hospital medical records and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. TBI was defined by ICD-9-CM codes for skull fracture 800.0-801.9, 803.0-804.9, concussion or other intracranial injury 850.0-854.1 and head injury, unspecified 959.01; all cases included a description of TBI.


RESULTS
TBI rates increased 79% for the study population; however, case-fatality rates decreased from 32% in 1992 to 18% in 2003. The TBI rate increase was observed among all elderly age groups, both genders and all races. Unintentional injuries nearly doubled while both assault and self-inflicted injuries decreased. Fall-related TBI increased by 126%, while MVC-related TBI increased by 17%. Survivors were hospitalized for an average of 6.8 days and over half required post-acute care.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased TBI rate and decreased case-fatality rate among elderly persons means potentially more persons living with TBI disability. TBI prevention efforts among the elderly must be expanded, especially for fall-related TBI.
Fletcher
Amy E
AE
Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299, USA. amyt@health.ok.gov
Khalid
Sumera
S
Mallonee
Sue
S
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009825:Oklahoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015996:Survival Rate