THE MEDICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IN OHIO, 2003 THROUGH 2006
Motorized recreational vehicles (MRVs), especially All-Terrain Vehicles, cause many injuries and deaths in Ohio and nationally. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most serious type of MRV-associated injury and often results in death or life-long severe disability.
This study describes the medical and economic impact of MRV-related injuries in Ohio and identifies key factors that are associated with the outcome of individuals who sustain moderate to severe TBI due to MRV crashes. Determining key factors associated with MRV-related TBI outcome will facilitate development of informed public policy and evidence-based, targeted educational efforts in Ohio to prevent these injuries.
Major conclusions of analyses using probabilistically-linked statewide datasets (Ohio Hospital Database and Trauma Registry) are as follows:
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MRVs are associated with slightly less than 5% of TBIs statewide
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The average annual hospital charges in Ohio for MRV-related TBI are approximately $10,461,000
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Among injured MRV users, younger individuals are more likely to sustain a MRV-related TBI than older individuals
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Alcohol use increases the likelihood of a TBI among injured MRV riders
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Helmet use reduces the likelihood of a TBI among injured MRV users
We recommend a combination of education and legislative action to decrease the morbidity and mortality due to MRV-related TBI in Ohio.
TBI Project Brochure
TBI Project Full Report
The initial TBI Project analysis was expanded to
describe TBI among all roadway injury events.
TBI Manuscript Abstract