TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBIS)

Life expectancies of people who suffer traumatic brain injuries depend on a number of factors, including whether it’s classified as mild, moderate or severe, their overall health and the quality of their medical care. According to the CDC, patients who survive moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries, and receive inpatient rehab, have a life expectancy nine years shorter than healthy individuals. 

Yes, recovery from brain damage is possible. The recovery time for people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, location of injuries, their age, and how quickly and frequently they can receive medical treatment, rehabilitation and supportive care.  

Traumatic brain injuries occur when an external force, such as a blow to the head, jolt or penetrating object, damages the brain. Disruptions in normal brain function, causing symptoms like confusion, memory loss or physical impairment, caused by these external forces mentioned above, are considered traumatic brain injuries.  

Yes, it’s possible for people to have normal, fulfilling lives after suffering traumatic brain injuries. However, your chances of returning to normalcy depend heavily on its severity – whether it’s mild, moderate or severe – your age and overall health. Patients who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, frequently experience complete recovery while moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries can be long-term, challenging journeys to navigate.  

It’s possible for patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries to fully recover. Some patients regain all function while others navigate long-lasting cognitive, emotional and physical impairments. Here’s a breakdown of the likelihood of recovery: 

• Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries – Most patients who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, fully recover within weeks to months.  

• Moderate or Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries – CDC findings show that, despite hospitalization and inpatient rehab, roughly half of people with traumatic brain injuries experience further decline in their daily lives or die within five years of their injuries.  

The most common cause of death, resulting from traumatic brain injuries, is firearm-related suicides. In fact, CDC data from 2023 alone shows that 50% of gun-related deaths in America were suicides.  

Yes, symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can intensify as you age, especially with moderate to severe injuries. Older survivors can face decline in brain function and higher mortality, which is why continued therapy and rehabilitation, long after the accident, is important in preserving quality of life.  

After traumatic brain injuries, individuals may never be exactly the same as who they were prior to the accident. However, many survivors take back and rebuild their lives with the help of rehabilitation and the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. While life can change, recovery and growth are possible.