Nevada is not the only state affected by head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries have contributed to approximately one million deaths in the United States over the last 2 decades, according to the CDC. Emergency room (ER) visits for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the US are significant, with millions of visits occurring annually.
A substantial portion of these visits involve treat-and-release cases, while others require hospitalization. Rates vary by age, with the highest rates observed in young children (0-4 years), older adults (75+), and young adults (15-24 years).
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Overall Numbers: Approximately 1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year in the US, with about 1.4 million treated and released from the emergency department (ED).
Age-Related Rates
- High Rates: The highest rates of TBI-related ED visits are seen in older adults (75+ years), young children (0-4 years), and young adults (15-24 years).
- Falls: Falls are a leading cause of TBI, with the highest rates in young children (0-4 years) and older adults (65+ years).
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle traffic is a leading cause of TBI-related death, particularly among those aged 20-24 years.
Gender Differences: TBI rates are generally higher in males than in females across all age groups.
Severity: While most TBI-related ED visits are for mild TBIs (mTBI) or concussions, the severity of TBI can vary significantly.
Treatment: While treatment for moderate to severe TBIs has been extensively studied, research on evidence-based treatments for mTBIs in the ED is still limited.
Hospitalizations: TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths are also more common in older adults.
Location: Rates of TBI-related inpatient stays and ED visits are also higher in lower-income communities and rural areas.
Overall Trends: Combined rates of TBI-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths have generally increased over the past decade.
Cost: TBI is a significant public health concern, with substantial costs associated with acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care for individuals with persistent impairments.
Nevada Counties with the Highest TBI Rates in the E.R.
Quick Highlights
- Nye County has the highest trauma rate in Nevada, with 769 cases per 100,000 residents.
- White Pine County (743) and Esmeralda County (655) rank second and third for trauma rates, respectively.
- Storey County reported a trauma rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, the lowest among Nevada’s counties.
This research analyzed the data for trauma cases from 2019 to 2023 for Nevada counties via the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Annual Trauma Report. The average trauma rates per 100,000 residents were calculated to identify the counties where Nevadans are most at risk of experiencing traumatic injuries requiring emergency care.
Nye County was revealed to lead the state in trauma cases, with 769 cases per 100,000 residents, 68% higher than the statewide average of 457 cases per 100,000 residents. From 2019 to 2023, the county averaged 403.5 trauma cases per year among its population of approximately 52,450. 2020 was the worst, with 447 cases, while 2022 recorded the fewest (370).
White Pine County ranks second with 743 cases per 100,000 residents, 63% higher than the statewide average of 457. From 2019 to 2023, the county, home to nearly 8,944 residents, experienced an average of 66.5 trauma cases annually. It recorded the highest number of cases (81) in 2022 and the lowest (54) was in 2021.
Esmeralda County ranks third with 655 cases per 100,000 residents. That’s about 43% higher than the statewide average of 457. With a population of approximately 763, the county saw an average of five trauma cases yearly. 2022 documented 12 cases, while 2020 and 2021 had only three each.
Lincoln County ranks fourth with 618 trauma cases per 100,000 residents, surpassing the statewide average of 457 by about 35%. With a population of approximately 4,572, the county reported an annual average of 28.25 trauma incidents during 2019-2023. The highest number of cases (38) was recorded in 2023, while 2021 experienced 22 cases.
Mineral County ranks fifth with 599 cases per 100,000 residents. That’s 31% more than the statewide average of 457. The county’s 4,548 residents experienced an average of 27.25 trauma incidents yearly. 2023 was the worst year with 46 cases, while 2019 had 18 cases.
Pershing County (6th) documented 575 trauma cases per 100,000 residents, followed by Lander County (7th) at 498 cases per 100,000 residents, Churchill County (8th) at 494 cases per 100,000 residents, Carson County (9th) at 447 cases per 100,000 residents, and Clark County (10th) at 402 cases per 100,000 residents.
Table for Extended Results
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Shook & Stone commented:
“The study highlights that counties such as Nye, White Pine, and Esmeralda reported some of the highest trauma rates in Nevada.
“These high rates of traumatic injuries put both residents and emergency medical services at significant risk. Such injuries often cause serious complications for victims and strain rural healthcare resources. Given the prevalence of these incidents, addressing trauma prevention requires targeted interventions.
“To reduce these incidents, county leaders and policymakers can implement enhanced safety education programs, improved emergency response infrastructure, and better access to trauma care. Addressing underlying issues such as rural road safety and workplace hazards could also help mitigate trauma rates across these counties.”
Methodology
The research analyzed the data for trauma cases from 2019 to 2023 for Nevada counties via the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Annual Trauma Report. Average trauma rates per 100,000 residents were calculated to identify the counties where Nevadans are most at risk of experiencing traumatic injuries requiring emergency care.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the information provided by Rhoda Amoaka on behalf of the Las Vegas-based personal injury law firm Shook & Stone, dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured and disabled individuals, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve while providing compassionate, personalized legal representation.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
2023 Data: https://dpbh.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dpbhnvgov/content/Programs/EBV/2023%20Annual%20Trauma%20Report.pdf
