Most systems for surveillance of traumatic brain injury rely on expensive and laborious record abstraction. California (with CDC support) has developed surveillance of traumatic brain injury based entirely on available data. This system combines information from computerized multiple cause of death files and hospital discharge files to capture all fatal and severe nonfatal brain injuries in California’s population of 35 million. We describe how a preliminary multiple cause of death file (Transax file) provides timely data on all fatal brain injuries. Using techniques described, we show how fatal cases are combined with nonfatal cases from hospital discharge files to produce a final file. So far we have developed files for 1996-1998 comprising 15,248 deaths and 66,383 nonfatal injuries. Basic patterns by age, sex, race and external cause are presented. Firearm suicide, motor vehicle occupant, and firearm assault caused over 61 percent of fatal brain injuries. Motor vehicle occupant, falls, and non-firearm assault caused 55 percent of nonfatal brain injuries. We also present examples of the value of this system for monitoring brain injuries associated with specific prevention programs and laws—motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws, shaken baby syndrome, traffic injuries, and senior falls.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Traumatic Brain Injury, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.