Traumatic Brain Injury

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Introduction

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain or skull caused by an external force, such as a strike or impact. Brain injuries are often permanent and disabling, unlike other injuries, such as broken legs or cuts that can heal.

Nearly 157 incidents of traumatic brain injury occur daily in New York State, resulting in death or hospital treatment. Each year, TBIs result in more than 2,200 deaths, 17,000 hospitalizations, and almost 38,000 emergency department visits among New York State residents.

The risk of sustaining a TBI is:

  • greatest for young children, young adults and the elderly.
  • greater for males than females. Males are almost twice as likely to be hospitalized with a TBI.

The leading causes of TBI continue to be falls, motor vehicle crashes, and assaults.

Contact Information

Please feel free to contact the New York State Department of Health for more information.

Injury Prevention Information

New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention
Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Room 1336
Albany, New York 12237

Services Information

  • Office of Insurance Programs
    TBI Medicaid Waiver - Home and Community Based Services
    (518) 474-5271
  • Traumatic Brain Injury Five-Year Action Plan
    (518) 486-6562