IN 2021, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) claimed 69,473 lives across the United States, with significant disparities in mortality rates tied to age, race, and geographic location. According to a recent study, older adults, males, and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native individuals faced disproportionately high risks of fatal TBIs.
The research analyzed data from the National Vital Statistics System, focusing on TBIs recorded alongside an injury-related primary cause of death. Findings show that unintentional falls and suicides accounted for a majority of TBI-related deaths. Older adults aged 75 and above exhibited the highest mortality rates, largely driven by fall-related injuries. Among racial and ethnic groups, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native populations experienced the highest age-adjusted TBI death rates, often linked to limited access to trauma care in rural regions.
Geography emerged as a critical factor, with rural residents more likely to experience fatal outcomes than their urban counterparts. Barriers such as insufficient emergency medical services and limited access to Level I trauma centers contribute to these geographic disparities.
Suicide-related TBIs also reflected concerning trends, particularly among American Indian/Alaska Native individuals and non-Hispanic Black populations. Firearm-related injuries were a major contributor, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health services and firearm safety initiatives.
The study highlights how disparities in TBI-related deaths arise from intersecting factors, including age, geographic location, and systemic inequities affecting certain racial and ethnic groups.
Reference: Peterson A et al. Disparities in traumatic brain injury-related deaths—the United States, 2021. Brain Injury. 2025. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2415933. [ePub ahead of print].
Anaya Malik | AMJ
