Brain Injury Shortens Life Span

A study looked at life expectancy after traumatic brain injury in those completing inpatient rehabilitation in the US between 2001 and 2010. They found that individuals with TBI were 2.23 times more likely to die than individuals of comparable age, giving them a reduced life expectancy of nine (9) years. Individuals with TBI had a greater risk of death from seizures, accidental poisoning, mental or behavioral problems, external injuries. Those with TBI requiring rehabilitation following acute hospital care were 49 times more likely to die of pneumonia, 22 times more likely to die of seizures, three times more likely to commit suicide, and 2.5 times more likely to die of digestive conditions versus matched populations.