Subject: Docket No. CDC-2016-0049
Dear Mr. Richardson,
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of
Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 neurosurgeons in the United States, we are
pleased to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed “Traumatic Brain
Injury (TBI) Surveillance System.” Known as the “silent epidemic,” TBI remains a leading cause of death
and disability in both adults and youth. CDC’s research and programs work to prevent TBI and help
people better recognize, respond and recover if a TBI occurs.
A complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities that, as noted, TBI contributed to an
estimated 2.2 million emergency department (ED) visits, 280,000 hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths in 2010. While the CDC already collects and disseminates the data mentioned above, more detailed
information about the circumstance of injury can help to identify those groups of Americans most at risk.
In addition, this new surveillance system can accurately monitor trends of injury, as well as the
effectiveness of preventative measures.
The AANS and CNS are also very pleased that a particular focus will be paid to injuries related to youth
sports and recreation. While there have been vast improvements in our knowledge of youth sports related concussions and injuries over the past decade, more information will lead to a better
understanding of the long-term health outcomes and identify better preventative measures.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with the CDC as it develops this surveillance system.
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