Non-Modifiable Risk Factors  

Age  

Older Adults (65+ Years)  

Falls are the leading cause of TBI in elderly individuals due to reduced balance, muscle strength, and cognitive decline. As people age, their brain becomes more susceptible to injury, and recovery may be slower and less complete.  

Children and Adolescents 

Young children, particularly those under the age of 5, and adolescents are also at higher risk. In children, TBI often occurs due to falls or child abuse, while adolescents face increased risk due to sports, physical activities, and accidents.  

Gender  

Men are more likely to suffer TBIs than women across all age groups. This increased risk is associated with a higher likelihood of participating in high-risk activities, labour-intensive jobs, and contact sports. Biological differences in brain structure and function may also influence susceptibility to brain injury and recovery outcomes.  

Genetics  

Genetic predisposition may play a role in the brain’s vulnerability to injury or in recovery. For instance, individuals with certain gene variants may have a heightened inflammatory response or greater risk of complications like neurodegeneration after TBI.  

Pre-existing Medical Conditions  

Neurological Conditions  

Individuals with pre-existing neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or a history of stroke, may be more vulnerable to TBI and its complications.  

Osteoporosis and Musculoskeletal Disorders 

Conditions that affect bone density and balance increase the risk of falls and subsequent brain injury, especially in older adults.  

Modifiable Risk Factors  

Socioeconomic Status  

Lower Socioeconomic Status (SES)  

Individuals in lower SES groups are more likely to experience TBIs due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and increased exposure to violence or hazardous environments. They may also face barriers to receiving timely medical care and rehabilitation services, which can impact recovery.  

Occupation  

High-Risk Occupations 

Jobs that involve physical labour, operating heavy machinery, or working at heights (e.g., construction, manufacturing, agriculture) significantly increase the risk of TBI due to the potential for falls, accidents, or blunt trauma.  

Military Service 

Service members, especially those in combat roles, are at an elevated risk for TBIs due to exposure to blast injuries, falls, or other traumatic events during military operations.  

Participation in High-Risk Activities  

Contact Sports 

Athletes participating in contact sports such as football, rugby, boxing, and ice hockey are at higher risk for concussions and other forms of TBI.  

Extreme Sports  

Activities such as skateboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing pose a significant risk of falls and head injuries. Proper protective gear and training can reduce this risk but not eliminate it entirely.  

Risky Behaviours  

Substance Abuse  

Alcohol and drug use significantly increase the likelihood of accidents leading to TBI. Intoxication impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of falls, motor vehicle accidents, and violence.  

Driving Without Protective Measures 

Failure to use seat belts or helmets while driving, biking, or riding motorcycles increases the risk of TBI in the event of an accident.  

Mental Health 

Untreated Mental Illness 

Individuals with untreated psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or impulsivity, may engage in risky behaviours that elevate their risk for TBI (e.g., reckless driving, substance abuse, or physical altercations).  

Environmental Hazards 

Unsafe Living or Working Conditions 

Poorly maintained environments, such as homes with uneven flooring, lack of handrails, or poor lighting, increase the likelihood of falls, particularly for older adults. Occupational hazards in workplaces with inadequate safety measures also contribute to TBI risk.  

Lack of Safety Measures 

Inadequate Protective Gear  

Failure to wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets in sports or work environments, increases the risk of sustaining a TBI. Enforcing the use of such gear can significantly reduce injury severity.