Epidemiology of Brain Injury

Brain injury can happen to anyone of any age, race, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. It does not discriminate, but it may disproportionately affect some groups of people more than others. Brain injury is sometimes called a “Silent Epidemic” because public awareness remains low and it is likely an under reported health problem.

Males and American Indians/Alaska Natives experienced the highest rates of TBI-related death. Adult men are more likely to experience an injury than women because they are more likely to engage in injury-prone work or in dangerous behavior. Several studies have shown that there is no gender difference in the incidence of TBI in children.