2025 American Academy of Neurology Abstract Website

Objective:

To assess mortality trends related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States (US) and to examine disparities across demographic, racial, gender-based, and geographical factors.

Background:

TBI is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 10 million deaths or hospitalizations occurring annually. In the United States, TBI accounts for approximately 1.4 million emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or deaths each year. Despite concerns about the rising burden of TBI, a comprehensive analysis of mortality trends, as well as demographic and regional disparities, remains necessary in the US.

Design/Methods:

This study analyzed death certificates from the CDC WONDER database, focusing on TBI-related mortality in adults aged 45 and older from 1999 to 2020 using ICD-10 Codes (S02.1, S02.3, S02.7, S02.9, S04, S06). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent changes (APCs) were calculated by year, gender, race, census region, state, and metropolitan status.

Results:

A total of 527,081 deaths were attributed to TBI during the study period. Overall, the AAMR increased from 19.5 to 22.2 per 100,000 population between 1999 and 2020 (APC: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.77). Men consistently had higher AAMRs than women (30.1 vs. 12.8). AAMRs were highest among non-Hispanic (NH) American Indian or Alaska Native populations and lowest among NH Asian or Pacific Islanders, Black or African Americans, and Hispanics (26.3 vs. 15.8). Similarly, AAMRs were highest in the Western region (27.7) and among individuals residing in non-metropolitan areas (25.2).

Conclusions:

TBI mortality has increased significantly in recent years, particularly among men, NH American Indian or Alaska Natives, and those living in non-metropolitan areas. Urgent policies are needed to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare