Citation

Ramanathan DM, McWilliams N, Schatz P, Hillary FG. J. Neurotrauma 2012; 29(7): 1371-1378.

Affiliation

The Pennsylvania State University, Psychology, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States; mdeepar@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/neu.2011.2197

PMID

22150090

Abstract

Older adults tend to have poorer outcomes when compared to younger adults following moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Currently, there is a need for research focusing on how elderly TBI has changed as the US population shifts. Thus, this study provides a statewide account of moderate-severe TBI in regard to injury related variables and incidence rates in the elderly. Data from Pennsylvania accredited trauma centers collected in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study between 1992-2009 were used in the current study. Incidence rates for TBI were calculated using US Census Bureau estimates for individuals ages 65-90 (separated into 3 subgroups: 65-73, 74-82 and 83-90). In addition, we focused on describing the following injury related variables: mechanism of injury, injury severity, hospital length of stay, and functional status at discharge. Results indicate that the incidence of elderly TBI has approximately doubled in the past 18 years and that the increase in elderly TBI is greatest for individuals ages 83-90. Furthermore, this age group had the poorest outcomes following TBI. Individuals 83-90 years of age have the highest risk for injury in the current study. Prevention and awareness of TBI in the elderly is imperative in reducing the likelihood of injury and disability. Continued statewide work is needed to demonstrate trends in elderly TBI nationwide to further add to the knowledge base used for prevention and rehabilitation work. Traumatic Brain Injury, Epidemiology, Geriatric Brain Injury, Adult Brain Injury.

Language: en