J Head Trauma Rehabil

Objectives To describe the frequencies and rates of MTBI ED visits, and analyze the trend across the years; and to compare sociodemographic characteristics of visits by MTBI type (i.e., MTBI as the only injury, or present along with other injuries). Design Population-based descriptive study using data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS, 2006–2012). Methods Joinpoint regression was used to calculate the average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of MTBI incidence rates. Characteristics between isolated and non-isolated visits were compared, and the odds ratios were reported. Results The rate per 100,000 population of MTBI ED visits in the U.S. increased significantly from 569.4 in 2006 to 807.9 in 2012. The highest rates were observed in 0–4 year olds, followed by 15–24 year old males, and ≥65 year old females; the lowest rates were among 45–64 year olds. The majority (70%) of all visits were non-isolated, and occurred more frequently in residents of metropolitan areas. Falls were the leading external cause. Most visits were privately insured or covered by Medicare/Medicaid, and the injury occurred on weekdays in predominantly metropolitan hospitals in the South region. Conclusions The burden of MTBI in U.S. EDs is high. Most MTBI ED visits present with other injuries. Awareness of sociodemographic factors associated with non-isolated MTBI may help improve diagnosis in U.S. EDs. This information has implications for resource planning and MTBI screening in EDs.

28489698

PMC5554936

CDC Public Access