Traumatic Brain Injuries Among
Arizona Residents, 2007

Resources for the development of this report were provided through funding to the
Arizona Department of Health Services from the Centers for Disease and Control and
Prevention, Cooperative Agreement 5U17CE924770-04, Integrated Core Injury
Prevention and Control Program
Permission to quote from or reproduce materials from this publication is granted when
acknowledgment is made.

Arizona Department of Health Services
Public Health Prevention Services
Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health
Injury Prevention Program
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-1400

Executive Summary
Traumatic brain injuries were the cause of death for 1,374 Arizona residents in 2007.
Males ages 85 years and older had the highest rate of TBI deaths with 164.9 deaths per
100,000 residents. TBI death rates were highest among American Indians (30.1 per
100,000 residents) and Non-Hispanic Whites (20.6 per 100,000 residents). Fifty
percent of the TBI deaths in 2007 were due to unintentional injuries (n=683); 35 percent
were due to suicides (n=475); and 12 percent were due to homicides (n=159). The
most common causes of TBI deaths were firearms (44 percent, n=598), motor vehicle
traffic-related injuries (21 percent, n=291), and falls (20 percent, n=268).
In 2007, there were 5,453 inpatient hospitalizations due to TBI in 2007. Adults 85 years
and older had the highest rates of TBI inpatient hospitalizations. Males 85 years and
older had a rate of 231.4 per 100,000 residents. The rate for females 85 years and
older was 262.3 per 100,000 residents. TBI inpatient hospitalization rates were highest
among American Indians (109.4 per 100,000 residents) and African Americans (92.9
per 100,000 residents). Unintentional injuries accounted for 87 percent of TBI
hospitalizations (n=4,762) and assaults comprised an additional 12 percent (n=629).
Motor vehicle traffic-related injuries were the most common cause of TBI
hospitalizations (47 percent, n=2,552), followed by falls (27 percent, n=1,455).
In 2007, there were 33,677 TBI emergency department visits among Arizona residents.
Almost half of TBI emergency department visits were among children ages 19 years
and younger (47 percent, n=15,704). TBI emergency department visit rates were
highest among children younger than one year of age. Females younger than one year
of age had a rate of 1,651.6 visits per 100,000 residents, and males younger than one
year of age had a rate of 1,810.5 visits per 100,000 residents. The majority of TBI
emergency department visits were due to unintentional injuries (87 percent, n=29,462),
and 12 percent were due to assaults (n=4,055). The leading causes of TBI emergency
department visits were falls (45 percent, n=15,315), struck by/against injuries (24
percent, n=8,204), and motor vehicle traffic-related injuries (16 percent, n=5,463).
The data presented in this report show that TBI is a public health problem that
impacts the lives of thousands of Arizona residents each year. The effects of TBI
can include chronic pain, disability, large medical bills, changes in quality of life, and
premature death. TBI can occur throughout the life span, and the repercussions of
these injuries may be dealt with for many years. The consequences of TBI can extend
beyond the injured individuals to their families and communities. With non-fatal TBI,
family members are often required to provide care, which can result in time away from
work, loss of income, and increases in stress. Within a community, the financial costs
of TBI include medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and lost productivity. Most
injuries are predictable and preventable. Understanding the causes of TBI is an
important step towards educating and empowering communities and implementing
prevention strategies.

1

Introduction
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as damage to the brain following a sudden blow
to the head or by shaking the head violently. TBI can also be caused by a penetrating
head injury that disrupts brain function. An estimated 1.4 million Americans sustain
these injuries each year, and of these, 50,000 die as a result of the trauma. An
additional 80,000 to 90,000 experience permanent disability, and it is estimated that 5.3
million Americans are currently living with a TBI-related disability.1,2 TBI can cause
cognitive function deficits, which can lead to depression and other secondary outcomes
including problems working and performing daily activities.

Figure 1. Traumatic Brain Injury Pyramid, Arizona 2007

Deaths
1,374
Inpatient
Hospitalizations
5,453
Emergency
Department
Visits
33,677
Injuries treated in physician offices, other
outpatient facilities, at home, or not treated
???

Figure 1 shows a TBI pyramid for Arizona in 2007. This pyramid shows that deaths
represent the smallest proportion of injuries. The proportions increase towards the
foundation of the pyramid, which is comprised of hospital discharges, emergency
department visits, and self-care. Although TBI that do not require medical treatment
may be the most numerous, no existing datasets capture these types of injuries.

1

Langlois JA, Rutland-Brown W, Thomas KE. Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Emergency Department
Visits, Hospitalizations and Deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control; 2006
2
Thurman D, Alverson C, Dunn K, Guerrero J, Sniezek J. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: a public health
perspective. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 1999;14(6):602–15.

2

Deaths
In 2007, 1,374 Arizona residents died as a result of TBI. The majority of deaths were
among males (76 percent, n=1,047), while females accounted for 24 percent of TBI
deaths (n=327). The largest number of deaths was among individuals ages 25 to 44
years (28 percent, n=385). Children ages 19 years and younger accounted for 11
percent of TBI deaths in 2007 (n=151). Age distributions are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. TBI Deaths by Age Group, Arizona 2007
(n=1,374)
5-14 Years
2% (n=23)

0-4 Years
3% (n=38)

65+ Years
28% (n=382)

15-19 Years
6% (n=90)
20-24 Years
10% (n=142)
25-44 Years
27% (n=385)

45-64 Years
23% (n=314)

Males 85 years and older accounted for 67 deaths and had the highest rate of TBI
deaths in 2007 (164.9 per 100,000 residents). For all adults 85 years and older, 71
percent of TBI deaths were due to unintentional falls (n=84). Figure 3 shows the 2007
TBI death rates by age group and sex for Arizona residents.
Figure 3. TBI Mortality Rates per 100,000 by Age Group and Sex,
Arizona 2007
180

164.9

160

Females (n=327)

140

Males (n=1,047)

120
100
78.2

80
60

49.9

40
20

75.1

9.9

13.5

5.7 7.4

2.2 2.1

1-4

5-9

0
<1

0.0

5.6

10-14

34.4

33.7

31.3

40.6
29.2

8.4

11.9

7.9

8.6

12.8

15-19

20-24

25-44

45-64

65-74

75-84

85+

3

TBI death rates were highest among American Indians (30.1 per 100,000 residents) and
Non-Hispanic Whites (20.6 per 100,000 residents). Figure 4 shows the 2007 ageadjusted TBI death rates by race/ethnicity in Arizona.
Figure 4. Age-Adjusted TBI Mortality Rates per 100,000 by
Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
40
35
30.1
30
25
20.6

21.2

20.1

20

17.2

15
11.2
10
5
0
American Indian
(n=94)

White, NonHispanic (n=900)

Hispanic (n=319)

African American
(n=44)

Asian (n=17)

All
races/ethnicities
(n=1,374)

Half of the TBI deaths in 2007 were due to unintentional injuries (50 percent, n=683); 35
percent were due to suicides (n=475); and 11 percent were due to homicides (n=159).
Figure 5 shows TBI deaths by intent during 2007 in Arizona.

Figure 5. TBI Deaths by Intent, Arizona 2007
(n=1,374)
Homicide
11% (n=159)
Suicide
35% (n=475)

Other/unknown
4% (n=57)

Unintentional
50% (n=683)

The most common causes of deaths were firearms (44 percent, n=598), motor vehicle
traffic-related injuries (21 percent, n=291), and falls (20 percent, n=268). Causes of TBI
deaths during 2007 in Arizona are shown in Table 1. Descriptions of these causes are
given in Appendix A.

4

Table 1. TBI Deaths by Cause, Arizona 2007
Cause
Number
Percentage
Firearm
598
44%
Motor vehicle traffic
291
21%
Fall
268
20%
Other/unspecified
155
11%
Other land transport
37
3%
Unknown cause
25
2%
Total
1,374
100%

Firearms
Among the 598 Arizona residents who died as a result of firearm-related TBI, the
majority were male (89 percent, n=531) and 11 percent were female (n=67). Seven
percent of TBI deaths due to firearms were among children ages 19 years and younger
(n=42). Fourteen percent of the deaths were among individuals ages 20 to 24 years
(n=86); 62 percent were among individuals ages 25 to 64 years (n=371); and 17 percent
were among individuals 65 years and older (n=99).
The highest rate of firearm-related TBI deaths was among White Non-Hispanics
(n=424). This population had a rate of 10.4 deaths per 100,000 residents. The second
highest rate was among Hispanics, who accounted for 137 deaths, or 7.8 per 100,000
residents.
The majority of firearm-related TBI deaths were suicides (78 percent, n=469). Eighteen
percent of the deaths were due to homicides (n=105); 2 percent were of undetermined
intent (n=13); and 2 percent were due to unintentional injuries (n=9). Two deaths were
the result of legal intervention. Figure 6 shows TBI deaths due to firearms by intent.

Figure 6. TBI Deaths due to Firearms by Intent,
Arizona 2007 (n=598)
Legal Intervention
0% (n=2)

Homicide
18% (n=105)

Undetermined
2% (n=13)
Unintentional
2% (n=9)

Suicide
78% (n=469)

5

Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes
Of the 291 TBI deaths due to motor vehicle traffic crashes, 70 percent were among
males (n=204) and 30 percent were among females (n=87). All of the crashes were
unintentional. Twenty-three percent of TBI deaths due to motor vehicle traffic crashes
were among children ages 19 years and younger (n=66). Sixteen percent of the deaths
were among adults ages 20 to 24 years (n=46); 52 percent were among individuals
ages 25 to 64 years (n=151); and 10 percent were among adults 65 years and older
(n=28).
The highest rate of motor vehicle traffic-related TBI deaths was among American
Indians (13.2 per 100,000 residents; n=47). The second highest rate was among
Hispanics, who accounted for 88 deaths, or 4.8 per 100,000 residents.
For most of the motor vehicle traffic-related TBI deaths, the location of the injured
person was not specified on the death certificates (64 percent, n=187). Among the 104
deaths for which the location was specified, 38 percent of the deaths were pedestrians
(n=30), and 34 percent were motorcyclists (n=35). Twenty-four percent of the deaths
were occupants of motor vehicles at the time of the collisions (n=25). Pedal cyclists
comprised 4 percent of the deaths (n=4). Figure 7 shows TBI deaths due to motor
vehicle traffic crashes by injured person.
Figure 7. TBI Deaths due to Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes
by Injured Person, Arizona 2007 (n=104)

Pedestrian
38% (n=30)

Pedal Cyclist
4% (n=4)

Motor Vehicle
Occupant
24% (n=25)

Motorcyclist
34% (n=35)

6

Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations
In 2007, 5,453 Arizona residents were hospitalized due to TBI. Males comprised 66
percent of total TBI hospitalizations (n=3,611) and females accounted for 34 percent
(n=1,841). One hospitalization was of an individual of unknown sex. Twenty-four
percent of TBI inpatient hospitalizations were among children ages 19 years and
younger (n=1,312). The age distribution is shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. TBI Inpatient Hospitalizations by Age Group,
Arizona 2007 (n=5,453)
65+ Years
18% (n=986)

0-4 Years
5% (n=281)

5-14 Years
7% (n=386)
15-19 Years
12% (n=645)

45-64 Years
20% (n=1,089)

20-24 Years
11% (n=581)
25-44 Years
27% (n=1,485)

Adults 85 years and older had the highest rates of TBI inpatient hospitalizations in 2007.
Males 85 years and older had a rate of 231.4 per 100,000 residents (n=94), and the rate
for females 85 years and older was 262.3 per 100,000 residents (n=178). For adults 85
years and older, 90 percent of hospitalizations were due to unintentional falls (n=244).
In contrast to the pattern observed with TBI deaths, the highest rates of TBI
hospitalizations were among children younger than one year of age. For children
younger than one year, 58 percent of hospitalizations were due to unintentional falls
(n=62). Figure 9 shows the 2007 TBI inpatient hospitalization rates by age group and
sex for Arizona residents.

7

Figure 9. TBI Inpatient Hospitalization Rates per 100,000
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
300

Females (n=1,841)
250

262.3

Males (n=3,611)

231.4
198.5

200

196.3

150

132.3 133.3

121.1

116.5
101.2

100

85.1

78.4

87.9

83.8
57.6

50.7

50

36.7

64.6

25.1

34.5

44.8

47.1

29.7

0
<1

1-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

25-44

45-64

65-74

75-84

85+

Does not include one child under one year of age of unknown sex

TBI inpatient hospitalization rates were highest among American Indians (109.4 per
100,000 residents) and African Americans (92.9 per 100,000 residents). Figure 10
shows the 2007 age-adjusted TBI inpatient hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity in
Arizona.
Figure 10. Age-Adjusted TBI Inpatient Hospitalization Rates per
100,000 by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
120

109.4

100

92.9
86.2

84.4

80
68.5
60
41.9

40
20
0
American Indian
(n=364)

African American
(n=228)

White, NonHispanic
(n=3,439)

Hispanic
(n=1,227)

Asian (n=59)

All
races/ethnicities
(n=5,453)

136 hospitalizations were other or unknown race/ethnicity

For TBI inpatient hospitalizations, the average length of stay was 5 days, with the
majority of stays less than 5 days (68 percent, n=3,691). Length of stay in hospitals due

8

to TBI ranged from less than one full day to 104 days. Figure 11 shows TBI inpatient
hospitalizations by length of stay.
Figure 11. TBI Inpatient Hospitalizations by Length of Stay,
Arizona 2007 (n=5,453)
15 Days or More
7% (n=384)

10-14 Days
6% (n=345)
5-9 Days
19% (n=1,033)

0-4 Days
68% (n=3,691)

TBI inpatient hospitalization-related charges in 2007 totaled more than $314 million,
with 44 percent paid by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
(AHCCCS)/Medicaid and Medicare. This total does not include costs related to
physician care, rehabilitation, lost wages, or long-term costs of disability.
Unintentional injuries accounted for 86 percent of TBI hospitalizations (n=4,762). There
were 28 self-inflicted TBI hospitalizations (1 percent) and 629 assaults (12 percent).
Figure 12 shows the TBI inpatient hospitalizations by intent for Arizona in 2007.
Figure 12. TBI Inpatient Hospitalizations by Intent, Arizona
2007 (n=5,453)
Self-Inflicted
1% (n=28)

Assault
12% (n=629)
Other/unknown
1% (n=34)

Unintentional
86% (n=4,762)

Motor vehicle traffic-related injuries were the most common cause of TBI
hospitalizations (47 percent, n=2,552), followed by falls (27 percent, n=1,455). Table 2
shows causes of TBI inpatient hospitalizations in Arizona during 2007. Descriptions of
these causes are given in Appendix A.

9

Table 2. TBI Inpatient Hospitalizations by Cause,
Arizona 2007
Cause
Number
Percentage
Motor vehicle traffic
2,552
47%
Fall
1,455
27%
Struck by/against
578
11%
Other/unspecified
323
6%
Motor vehicle non-traffic
304
6%
Other pedal cycle
103
2%
Transport
75
1%
Firearm
63
1%
Total
5,453
100%

Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes
Of the 2,552 TBI hospitalizations from motor vehicle traffic crashes, 65 percent were
among males (n=1,647) and 35 percent were among females (n=904). One
hospitalization was of an individual of unknown sex. Almost all of the crashes were
unintentional (n=2,543). Twenty-six percent of TBI hospitalizations from motor vehicle
traffic crashes were among children ages 19 years and younger (n=676); 14 percent
were among individuals ages 20 to 24 years (n=355); 52 percent were among
individuals 25 to 64 years (n=1,323); and 8 percent were among adults 65 years and
older (n=198).
American Indians had the highest rate of TBI hospitalizations for motor vehicle traffic
crashes (44.9 per 100,000 residents; n=153). With 41.6 hospitalizations per 100,000
residents, Non-Hispanic Whites had the second highest rate (n=1,562).
The majority of TBI inpatient hospitalizations due to motor vehicle traffic collisions were
among occupants of motor vehicles (67 percent, n=1,723). Fifteen percent were
motorcyclists (n=385); 11 percent were pedestrians (n=270); and 4 percent were pedal
cyclists (n=100). Three percent were other/unspecified (n=74). Figure 13 shows TBI
inpatient hospitalizations due to motor vehicle traffic crashes by injured person.

10

Figure 13. TBI Inpatient Hospitalizations due to
Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes by Injured Person
(All Intents), Arizona 2007 (n=2,552)
Pedal Cyclist
4% (n=100)
Motorcyclist
15% (n=385)

Pedestrian
11% (n=270)
Other/unspecified
3% (n=74)
Motor Vehicle
Occupant
67% (n=1,723)

Falls
There were 1,455 inpatient hospitalizations due to fall-related TBI. Fifty-five percent
were among males (n=802) and 45 percent were among females (n=653). Seventeen
percent of the hospitalizations were among children ages 19 years and younger
(n=248). Almost all of these falls were unintentional (n=1,449), but 6 were self-inflicted
or from assaults or undetermined intents.
American Indians had the highest rate of fall-related TBI hospitalizations with 22.6 per
100,000 residents (n=64). The second highest rate was among Non-Hispanic Whites
(22.0 per 100,000 residents; n=1,038).
In more than one third of fall-related hospitalizations, the hospital discharge database
did not contain any specific information about the events contributing to these falls (34
percent, n=481). The most frequently specified contributing events were slipping,
tripping, or stumbling (28 percent, n=403) and falls from stairs, steps, and ladders (12
percent, n=178). Figure 14 shows TBI inpatient hospitalizations due to falls by
contributing event.

11

Figure 14. TBI Inpatient Hospitalizations due to Falls by
Contributing Event (All Intents), Arizona 2007 (n=1,455)
From recreational
equipment or in sports
3% (n=46)

Suicide attempt,
assault, or
undetermined intent
0% (n=6)

From or out of building
4% (n=61)

From stairs/ladders
12% (n=178)
Slipping, tripping, or
stumbling
28% (n=403)

From
w heelchair/furniture
10% (n=145)

Other/unspecified
34% (n=481)

Other fall from one
level to another
9% (n=135)

Non-Fatal Emergency Department Visits
In 2007, there were 33,677 TBI emergency department visits among Arizona residents.
Males accounted for more than half of TBI emergency department visits (57 percent,
n=19,157), while females accounted for 43 percent of visits (n=14,519). One
emergency department visit was by an individual of unknown sex. Forty-six percent of
TBI emergency department visits were among children ages 19 years and younger
(n=15,704). Emergency department visits by age group are shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15. TBI Emergency Department Visits by
Age Group, Arizona 2007 (n=33,677)
65+ Years
12% (n=3,990)

0-4 Years
20% (n=6,711)

45-64 Years
13% (n=4,228)
5-14 Years
15% (n=5,182)
25-44 Years
20% (n=6,871)

20-24 Years
9% (n=2,884)

15-19 Years
11% (n=3,811)

12

TBI emergency department visit rates were highest among children younger than one
year of age. There were 835 emergency department visits among females younger
than one year of age (a rate of 1,651.6 per 100,000 residents), and 942 visits among
males younger than one year of age (a rate of 1,810.5 per 100,000 residents). For all
children younger than one year of age, 85 percent of TBI emergency department visits
were due to unintentional falls (n=1,509). For adults 85 years and older, 93 percent of
visits were due to unintentional falls (n=1,088). Figure 16 shows the 2007 TBI
emergency department visit rates per 100,000 Arizona residents.
Figure 16. TBI Emergency Department Visit Rates per 100,000
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
2000
1,810.5

1800

Females (n=14,519)

1,651.6

Males (n=19,157)

1600
1,412.7

1400
1,155.1

1200

1,067.3

1,069.4
965.0

1000
800

800.2

762.1

712.1

629.5

600

621.1
480.4

434.2
342.5

400

433.3
320.4

279.5 291.9

392.3

344.9
233.8

200
0
<1

1-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

25-44

45-64

65-74

75-84

85+

Does not include one child under one year of age of unknown sex

The majority of TBI emergency department visits were attributed to unintentional injuries
(88 percent, n=29,462), and 12 percent were assaults (n=4,055). Figure 17 shows TBI
emergency department visits by intent during 2007 in Arizona.

Figure 17. TBI Emergency Department Visits by Intent,
Arizona 2007 (n=33,677)
Self-Inflicted
0% (n=48)

Assault
12% (n=4,055)
Other/unknown
0% (n=112)

Unintentional
88% (n=29,462)

13

The leading causes of TBI emergency department visits were falls (45 percent,
n=15,315), struck by/against injuries (24 percent, n=8,204), and motor vehicle trafficrelated injuries (16 percent, n=5,463). Table 3 shows TBI emergency department visits
by cause for Arizona in 2007. Descriptions of these causes are given in Appendix A.

Table 3. TBI Emergency Department Visits by Cause,
Arizona 2007
Cause
Number
Percentage
Fall
15,315
45%
Struck by/against
8,204
24%
Motor vehicle traffic
5,463
16%
Other/unspecified
2,550
8%
Motor vehicle non-traffic
958
3%
Other pedal cycle
878
3%
Transport
309
1%
Total
33,677
100%

Falls
There were 15,315 emergency department visits due to fall-related TBI. Forty-nine
percent were among males (n=7,498) and 51 percent were among females (n=7,817).
Nearly all of these falls were unintentional (n=15,302). Fifty-three percent of TBI
emergency department visits due to falls were among individuals ages 19 years and
younger (n=8,099).
Twenty-eight percent of the falls did not have contributing event information specified in
the hospital discharge database (n=4,359). The most frequently specified contributing
events to fall-related TBI were slipping, tripping, or stumbling (29 percent, n=4,513) and
falls from furniture or wheelchairs (19 percent, n=2,854). Figure 18 shows TBI
emergency department visits due to falls by contributing event.

14

Figure 18. TBI Emergency Department Visits due to Falls by
Contributing Event (All Intents), Arizona 2007 (n=15,315)
From recreational
equipment or in sports
5% (n=833)
From stairs/ladder
7% (n=1,006)

Suicide attempt,
assault, or
undetermined intent
0% (n=13)
From or out of building
1% (n=90)
Slipping, tripping, or
stumbling
29% (n=4,513)

From
w heelchair/furniture
19% (n=2,854)

Other/unspecified
28% (n=4,359)

Other fall from one
level to another
11% (n=1,647)

Struck By/Against Injuries
Struck by/against injuries include being struck by an object (such as falling furniture),
striking against an object (such as the edge of a bathtub), or being struck by other
people (such as when playing sports). Of the 8,204 TBI emergency department visits
due to struck by/against injuries, 67 percent were among males (n=5,497) and 33
percent were among females (n=2,707). Sixty-nine percent of these injuries were
unintentional (n=5,651), and 30 percent were assaults (n=2,496). Fifty-one percent of
TBI emergency department visits from struck by/against injuries were among individuals
ages 19 years and younger (n=4,190).
The emergency department discharge database did not include information regarding
contributing event for 28 percent of the struck by/against injuries (n=2,320). The most
frequently specified contributing events were assaults in unarmed fights (20 percent,
n=1,679) and blows while playing sports (16 percent, n=1,338). Figure 19 shows TBI
emergency department visits due to struck by/against injuries by contributing event.

15

Figure 19. TBI Emergency Department Visits due to
Struck By/Against Injuries by Contributing Event
(All Intents), Arizona 2007 (n=8,204)
Assaulted w ith blunt
object
10% (n=817)

Struck unintentionally
by falling object
8% (n=692)

Legal intervention
1% (n=57)

Assaulted in unarmed
fight
20% (n=1,679)

In sports
16% (n=1,338)
By furniture
5% (n=375)

Other/unspecified
29% (n=2,320)

Against other
stationary objects
11% (n=926)

16

Data Notes
All rates shown were calculated using the 2007 Arizona resident population estimates
published by the Arizona Department of Health Services in Arizona Health Status and
Vital Statistics 2007. Age-adjusted rates were standardized to the 2000 U.S. standard
population.
Mortality data were tabulated from death certificates for Arizona residents who died in
2007. Inpatient hospitalization data were compiled from the 2007 Arizona Hospital
Discharge Database. Emergency department visit data were compiled from the 2007
Arizona Emergency Department Discharge Database.
The discharge databases contain information from private, acute-care facilities in the
state of Arizona, and do not include visits to federal facilities, such as Veterans’ Affairs
Hospitals or Indian Health Services facilities. The discharge databases do not contain
data from urgent care facilities, private physician practices, or medical clinics.
Codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Version 9, clinical modification
(ICD-9-CM) were used for determining TBI cases among hospital and emergency
department data. ICD-10 codes were used for mortality data. The specific codes used
are described in Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Emergency Department
Visits, Hospitalizations and Deaths, published in 2006 by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).

17

Cause
Fall
Firearm
Unknown cause
Motor vehicle traffic

Motor vehicle non-traffic

Other land transport

Other pedal cycle
Other/unspecified
Struck by/against

Transport

Appendix A. Definitions of Causes
Definition
Includes falls from furniture, stairs, playground
equipment, and those that occur while playing sports.
Includes injuries from handguns, shotguns, BB guns,
etc.
Cause not listed.
Includes collisions that occur on public highways and
streets. These collisions may include pedestrians,
pedal cyclists, motorcyclists, and occupants of motor
vehicles.
Includes injuries from off-road vehicles. This cause only
applies to hospitalization and emergency department
databases and is not used on death certificates.
Includes collisions involving railway or all-terrain
vehicles. This cause only applies to deaths and is not
used in hospitalization or emergency department
databases.
Includes injured pedal cyclists struck by pedestrians,
pedal cycles, or non-motorized vehicles.
Unspecified events or other rare events.
Includes being struck by furniture, struck by other
people while playing sports, or hit by objects while
playing sports.
Other non-motorized vehicle transport. This cause only
applies to hospitalization and emergency department
databases and is not used on death certificates.

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