1286 Characterization of Neurological Injuries From Roller Coaster Rides Among Minors

INTRODUCTION: Roller coasters subject riders to multiple forces and high acceleration levels. While these forces are generally safe and have not been shown to cause significant brain or spine injury, injuries may still occur. Specific features of these injuries in children have yet to be characterized. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for US emergency department visits from 2004 to 2023 for neurological injuries in children sustained on rollercoasters. Body part codes collected included only injuries sustained in the lower trunk, upper trunk, neck, and head. Narratives were screened to include only cranial and spinal injuries and were then used to identify diagnoses. A weighted survey design was used to calculate national estimates and confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 274 relevant queries resulted in a national estimate of 6382 emergency department visits of children with cranial and spinal injuries from rollercoasters between 2004 and 2023. Injuries in the neck/cervical spine (44.6%) and the head (30.6%) accounted for most of the cases. Muscular strain was the most prevalent diagnosis accounting for 47.3% of estimated cases, most affecting the neck (70.3%). Of the head injuries, 723 (36.6%) were diagnosed with a concussion. Diagnoses like torticollis (125 estimated cases) and compression fracture (14 estimated cases) were noted, but to a lesser extent than other injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Roller coaster rides were shown to be relatively safe, with muscular strain in the neck as the predominant injury among minors. However, a significant proportion of head injuries resulted in concussion, warranting enhanced surveillance.