Alarming disparity: Men’s TBI death rate significantly higher than women’s

A latest study has highlighted the alarming disparity in the impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), particularly emphasising how men are three times more likely to die from these injuries compared to women. The study, which analyzed US mortality data from 2021, underscores the persistent and disproportionate toll that TBI takes on older adults, men and certain racial and ethnic groups.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Injury, the research identifies suicides as the leading cause of TBI-related deaths, followed by unintentional falls. These fatalities continue to disproportionately affect specific groups, especially men and older adults.
According to the study’s findings, men have a significantly higher TBI-related death rate, with 30.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to just 9.4 deaths per 100,000 among women. This stark contrast highlights the increased vulnerability of men to fatal outcomes from traumatic brain injuries.
Alexis Peterson, lead author of the study and researcher at the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasised that older adults are particularly at risk. “Unintentional falls are a significant cause of TBI-related death in older adults,” Peterson stated, underscoring the vulnerability of this demographic in the face of such injuries. The study delves into various factors contributing to TBI deaths, including the severity of injuries resulting from incidents like falls or motor vehicle crashes. It also explores how sex and age interact to influence outcomes. Men, as they age, tend to experience worse outcomes from TBI, while postmenopausal women often fare better in similar circumstances, suggesting hormonal and physiological factors play a role in recovery and survival.
Peterson called for more tailored prevention strategies, particularly for at-risk groups. She also highlighted the importance of early intervention by healthcare providers and the need for culturally sensitive care to reduce TBI-related deaths and improve recovery outcomes. “Healthcare providers play a critical role in reducing TBI-related mortality, and implementing early interventions and culturally aware care can significantly help at-risk populations,” she emphasised.
The study, which analyzed data from the National Vital Statistics System, revealed that in 2021 alone, there were 69,473 TBI-related deaths among US residents, averaging about 190 deaths per day. Additionally, the age-adjusted TBI-related mortality rate saw an 8.8% increase from the previous year, rising to 19.5 per 100,000 residents.
This research highlights the urgent need for continued awareness, prevention, and treatment strategies to address the disproportionate impact of traumatic brain injuries, particularly for vulnerable populations such as men and older adults. As the study shows, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing TBI outcomes is essential to reducing these fatalities and improving long-term care.
What do doctors have to say?
Dr Venkat Kumar, neurologist and certified life-care planner shares, “Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major health concern, with a higher incidence in men than in women. Several factors contribute to this disparity, from lifestyle choices to biological differences. Understanding these factors is key to addressing the higher prevalence of TBIs in men and improving prevention and treatment strategies.”
Riskier Behaviours
One of the primary reasons men are more likely to experience TBIs is their tendency to engage in riskier behaviours. Men are more often involved in activities that carry a higher likelihood of injury, such as contact sports, military service and physical altercations. These activities increase the chances of head trauma, making men more vulnerable to TBIs than women, who generally engage in these activities at lower rates.
Work-Related Injuries
Another significant factor contributing to the higher incidence of TBIs in men is their greater representation in hazardous occupations. Men are more likely to work in physically demanding jobs that involve exposure to heavy machinery, construction sites, or other dangerous environments. The risk of accidents in these jobs, which often result in head injuries, is a key factor in the higher rate of TBIs in men.
Gender-Based Perceptions
Society’s gender-based perceptions also play a role in how men experience TBIs. In many cultures, there is a tendency to downplay or misinterpret men’s injuries. Men may be less likely to report symptoms or seek medical attention for fear of being seen as weak or vulnerable. This societal pressure, combined with the expectation to recover quickly and return to work or physical activities, can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to worsened outcomes.
Genetics and Sex Hormones
Genetics and sex hormones play a crucial role in how the body reacts to injury, including traumatic brain injuries. These factors can influence inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, all of which are critical in brain injury recovery. Studies suggest that testosterone, a hormone present in higher levels in men, can influence the severity of TBI outcomes by affecting neuroinflammatory responses and brain cell damage.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to repair itself after injury—also differs between men and women. Research indicates that men and women may have varying levels of neuroplasticity, which could affect how their brains recover from TBIs. While neuroplasticity plays a critical role in recovery, gender differences in brain structure and function may impact the efficiency of this process.
Extracerebral Trauma
Men and women may experience different patterns of extracerebral trauma, which refers to injury outside the brain but that still impacts brain function. These types of injuries, including damage to the neck, spine, or facial bones, can complicate the aftermath of a TBI. The way the body responds to such trauma can vary between genders, affecting recovery timelines and long-term outcomes.
The higher incidence of traumatic brain injuries in men can be attributed to a combination of risky behaviours, work-related dangers, societal expectations and biological factors. Understanding the reasons behind this disparity is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies, improving early diagnosis and ensuring that both men and women receive effective care for brain injuries. Recognising the unique challenges that men face when dealing with TBIs can ultimately lead to better health outcomes and more personalised approaches to treatment and recovery.