The death rate in Alaska from traumatized brain injuries – also known as TBIs is among the highest in the United States. This is according to the findings of a recent report by the Alaska Health Department.
“The reality that one in four deaths among Alaskans under 30 was linked to TBI TBI is an alarming number,” said Katherine Newell an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who is based in Alaska and who was a part of the report. “And most of these deaths could be prevented.”
The study examined the the frequency of visits to emergency rooms, hospitalization and death due to TBIs for five years between 2016 and 2021.
Accidental falls and suicides caused the highest number of TBI death in Alaska.
“For those over 85 72% of TBI-related deaths occurred due to accidental falls,” Newell said. “Whereas for younger adults, the majority of deaths was caused by suicide.”
In the study Alaska Native and American Indian are more likely than other people to suffer fatal or serious brain traumas — which was three times more than the average for all Americans.
Car crashes are extremely dangerous and have caused death or injury to the majority of young adults. In Northern Alaska, ATV and snow machines accidents are likely to result in serious head injuries.
About 40 percent of the deaths caused by brain injuries that were traumatic in nature were committed suicide through firearms. In Alaska the rates of suicide are greater for young men aged between 25 and 34 as well as Native Alaskans and American Indian people.
Newell states that brain injuries sustained in trauma may have long-lasting effects and therefore it is essential to prevent them. effective treatment.
“A best practice is to look at ways we can support our seniors and seniors to avoid slips and falls, particularly during winter,” she said.
The report cites community programs that give out the ice cleats to seniors. Other suggestions for interventions include gun safety education and health screenings for older adults and helmet giveaways for free.
The report also noted that a lot of people from Alaska were unable to access medical care following a traumatic brain injury, typically due to the cost or geographical location.
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