TBI Prevention & Safety Flashcards

Which age group has the highest incidence of TBI in the United States?

Answer: Young children (0-4) and older adults (75+)

CDC data shows TBI rates are highest in toddlers (falls) and adults 75+ (falls), reflecting age-specific vulnerability.

Falls are the leading cause of TBI in the US. Which fall-prevention intervention is most evidence-based for older adults?

Answer: Multifactorial programs including strength/balance training, home hazard modification, and medication review

Comprehensive multifactorial fall-prevention programs addressing multiple risk factors simultaneously show the strongest evidence for reducing fall-related TBI in older adults.

Proper helmet use can reduce TBI risk in bicycle accidents by approximately what percentage?

Answer: 45-88%

Research consistently shows bicycle helmets reduce head injury risk by 45-88% depending on study methodology and injury severity.

Which vehicle safety feature has had the greatest population-level impact on reducing TBI from motor vehicle crashes?

Answer: Airbags combined with seatbelts

Combined airbag deployment and seatbelt use dramatically reduces head impact forces and TBI incidence in motor vehicle crashes.

In sports, which factor MOST increases an athlete's risk for a second concussion?

Answer: Returning to play before complete recovery from the first concussion

A still-healing brain is far more vulnerable — returning to play prematurely dramatically raises the risk of repeat concussion and 'second impact syndrome.'

Blast-related TBI in military personnel differs from civilian TBI because it often involves which primary injury mechanism?

Answer: Pressure wave from explosion causing direct neurotrauma without external head impact

Primary blast TBI results from the overpressure wave generated by an explosion transmitting force through the skull to brain tissue.