Powered by Numbers: Leveraging Epidemiology to Foster Prevention of TBI Related Sequelae

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially among older individuals. Approximately 15.7% of U.S. adults aged 40 years or older have experienced a head injury with loss of consciousness, which amounts to approximately 23 million affected individuals.
In this presentation, the current epidemiology of TBI is presented. In addition, efforts focused on improving the characterization of lifetime history of TBI in ongoing prospective cohort studies in diverse populations is presented. Leveraging data with over 25 years of follow-up, studies presented quantify the population-level burden of TBI and the dose-dependent long-term consequences of TBI (including data on cognitive decline, dementia risk, and mortality, among other outcomes) in a comprehensive manner. Data is also presented showing how epidemiological study design and biostatistical methods can provide insights into mechanisms underlying observed associations. The robust and dose-dependent associations of TBI with adverse outcomes underscore the importance of public health measures aimed at preventing head injuries and targeted clinical interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality after head injury.