The following press release was issued this morning by Susan Connors, CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America commenting on newly released data on the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States.
The number of civilians in the United States living with a long-term disability from traumatic brain injury (TBI) is now estimated to be 3.17 million, according to a new article published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 394-400). The new prevalence estimate reflects the use of updated methodology and is not indicative of a reduction in the annual incidence of TBI, which remains at 1.4 million civilians in the U.S. The estimate is based on the results of statistical modeling and analysis of TBI hospitalization data from three states (Maryland, Vermont and New Jersey) in 2005 and does not include persons with TBI who were treated and released from the emergency department or other healthcare setting and those who did not seek treatment.
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) applauds the CDC for funding this important research and urges swift and widespread use of the new prevalence estimate in the field of brain injury. The Brain Injury Association of America reminds advocates, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and the public that the 3.17 million people living in the U.S. with a long-term disability are unique individuals whose lives are forever changed by their injuries and who need and deserve ongoing specialized rehabilitation, lifelong neurological disease management and individualized services and supports in order to maximize their health, independence and happiness.
As these numbers indicate, traumatic brain injury is a public health crisis which requires the attention of all to improve the quality of life of persons with a brain injury and their family. It requires immediate attention regarding brain injury rehabilitation including adequate funding, in depth studies to determine best practices and a commitment to always rememberer that a person with a brain injury is a person first and should receive care and treatment in the least restrictive environment possible.
