TBI is a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. Most deaths occur at the time of injury or within the first two hours of hospitalization. Of those who survive their initial injury, approximately 70,000 to 90,000 will endure lifelong debilitating loss of function. An additional 2,000 will exist in a persistent vegetative state. Young men between the ages of 14 and 24 have the highest rate of injury.
Males are more likely to suffer serious brain injuries than are females.
To go directly to a section, click on a topic below. The risk of TBI among men is more than twice that of women. The ratio of male to female incidence is approximately 2.5 to 1. This is probably due to gender differences in risk-taking activities and exposure to occupational hazards. The Afro-American population has a higher rate of TBI than other ethnic groups in the United States.