Risk Factors for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Risk Factors

TBIs are most commonly caused by a fall, firearm-related injury, motor vehicle crash, or an assault. Falls are responsible for nearly half of TBI-related hospitalizations. Firearm-related suicide is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths in the United States. TBIs affect the lives of people of all ages. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk of dying from a TBI or experiencing long-term health problems after the injury. Examples of groups who are more likely to be affected by TBI, include: older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, service members and veterans, people who experience homelessness, people who are in correctional and detention facilities, survivors of intimate partner violence, and people living in rural areas.