Bull riding-related brain and spinal cord injuries--Louisiana, 1994-1995.

Rodeos are popular sporting events in the southern and western United States, and bull riders sustain 37% of all rodeo-related injuries--more than participants in any other rodeo event. During 1994-1995 in Louisiana, five cases of central nervous system trauma associated with riding bulls in rodeo events were identified through the Louisiana Central Nervous System Injury Registry, a statewide, population-based surveillance system addressing brain and spinal cord injury incidence, etiology, and outcome. To further characterize these injury events, the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, conducted chart reviews and follow-up telephone interviews with the five injured persons or their parents and interviewed rodeo organizations about rules, regulations, and membership. This report summarizes the investigations of these five cases and recommends use of protective equipment to reduce the risk for such injuries.