Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 11, 2025
Long-term mortality and causes of death among patients with mild traumatic brain injury: a 5-year multicenter study
Erica Sercy1,2,3,4,5,6, Alessandro Orlando1,2,3,4,5,6, Matthew Carrick7
1Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO, USA.
Abstract:
Objective: Undergoing mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) increases mortality risk, but it is unclear what drives this finding. This study explored associations with mortality in patients with mTBI.Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with mTBI and controls admitted to six level 1 trauma centers in 1/1/2009-12/31/2013. Mortality data were from the CDC National Death Index. Patients with mTBI were identified by ICD-9 code, Glasgow Coma Scale 13-15, Injury Severity Score (ISS) <16, and loss of consciousness ≤1 hour. Controls had hospital length of stay ≤24 hours, ISS<16, and no head injury.Results: This study included 964 patients with mTBI and 5,567 controls. mTBI was associated with a 47% increased 5-year mortality risk (HR = 1.47, 95% CL 1.08-2.01). Patients with mTBI were more likely to die of a neurodegenerative disease (17% vs 11%, P = .119). Cardiovascular (HR = 1.80, 95% CL 1.17-2.77), neurological (HR = 3.33, 95% CL 2.07-5.38), and respiratory (HR = 1.70, 95% CL 1.01-2.86) comorbidities were associated with mortality in patients with mTBI.Conclusions: Patients with mTBI are at increased mortality risk in the 5 years post-injury. Mortality in patients with mTBI was most influenced by preexisting conditions.
Insights
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) increases 5-year mortality risk by 47%. Preexisting conditions, particularly cardiovascular and neurological comorbidities, significantly influenced mortality in mTBI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is linked to increased mortality, but underlying factors remain unclear.
- Understanding the drivers of mortality post-mTBI is crucial for patient management and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and mortality risk.
- To identify specific factors contributing to mortality in patients with mTBI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of mTBI patients and controls from six Level 1 trauma centers (2009-2013).
- Mortality data sourced from the CDC National Death Index.
- mTBI defined by ICD-9 code, GCS 13-15, ISS <16, and LOC ≤1 hour; controls had short hospital stays and no head injury.
Main Results:
- mTBI patients (n=964) showed a 47% increased 5-year mortality risk compared to controls (n=5,567) (HR=1.47).
- Higher mortality rates in mTBI patients were observed for neurodegenerative diseases (17% vs 11%).
- Cardiovascular (HR=1.80), neurological (HR=3.33), and respiratory (HR=1.70) comorbidities were significantly associated with mortality in mTBI patients.
Conclusions:
- Patients with mild traumatic brain injury face elevated mortality risk within five years post-injury.
- Preexisting conditions, especially cardiovascular and neurological comorbidities, were the primary drivers of mortality in the mTBI cohort.
