Demographic and social characteristics of the traumatic brain injury model system database

This article presents the following information on the 325 individuals included in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) model system database: (1) demographic and social characteristics; (2) the etiology of TBI (or cause of injury); and (3) the relationship among demographic factors, etiology, and factors contributing to injury. These findings are then discussed within the context of other types of neurotrauma. The demographic and social data presented herein appears to be similar to the data for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), another catastrophic form of neurotrauma. The findings of this article highlight the fact that most TBIs and SCIs can be prevented. Therefore, aggressive prevention programs are needed.