Traumatic Brain Injuries Associated With Consumer Products at Home Among US Children Younger Than 5 Years of Age.

This study investigated the epidemiology of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occurring to young children, associated with consumer products at home in the United States. Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System were analyzed. There were an estimated 2 292 896 (95% CI = 1 707 891-2 877 900) children <5 years of age treated in US emergency departments for a TBI associated with a consumer product at home during 1991-2012, which equals an annual average of 104 223 (95% CI = 77 631-130 814) children. During the 22-year study period, the number and rate of TBIs increased significantly by 283.3% (estimated annual rate of change, m = 7182.6; P < .001) and 266.5% ( m = 0.35; P < .001), respectively. The number of TBIs decreased with increasing age of the child. Falls from household products were the leading mechanism of injury (53.7%). To our knowledge, this is the first nationally representative study of TBIs associated with consumer products at home among young children. These findings underscore the need for increased prevention efforts.