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Fall-related traumatic brain injury in children ages 0–4 years

2019, Journal of Safety Research

Introduction: Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for children in the 0-4 year age group. There is limited literature pertaining to fall-related TBIs in children age 4 and under and the circumstances surrounding these TBIs. This study provides a national estimate and describes actions and products associated with fall-related TBI in this age group. Method: Data analyzed were from the 2001-2013 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP), a nationally representative sample of emergency departments (ED). Case narratives were coded for actions associated with the fall, and product codes were abstracted to determine fall location and product type. All estimates were weighted. Results: An estimated 139,001 children younger than 5 years were treated annually in EDs for nonfatal, unintentional fall-related TBI injuries (total = 1,807,019 during 2001-2013). Overall, child actions (e.g., running) accounted for the greatest proportion of injuries and actions by others (e.g., carrying) was highest for children younger than 1 year. The majority of falls occurred in the home, and involved surfaces, fixtures, furniture, and baby products.