Understanding the Unique Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury in Women
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as concussion, is an injury to the brain resulting from a direct blow to the head or a rapid change in motion of the head, causing the brain to move back and forth in the skull. It is a growing health concern, with an estimated 1.7M Americans affected each year.
Although more common in men, TBI affects women more severely with poorer outcomes. Women are more likely to experience TBI as a result of domestic violence, falls, or car accidents. These types of injuries are often under-diagnosed and can have long-lasting effects on cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning.
How Physiological Differences Increase Women’s TBI Risk
Research has shown that women have a higher susceptibility to TBI due to hormonal and physiological differences, which can affect their recovery from injury. They may suffer greater symptoms than men.
Women have a far greater risk of cognitive decline, headaches, and other symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, as well as fertility changes because their pituitary and hypothalamus glands are susceptible to injury during a concussion or in a whiplash. Because these glands, which control hormones, are located at the base of the skull, they are regarded as part of a traumatic brain injury complex.
The Link Between Suicide Risk and TBI
Unfortunately, there is also a link between traumatic brain injury and suicide. Although suicide is rare, the risk of suicide doubled, as reported in a 2018 JAMA Neurology article, and affects women more than men. Robert Cantù, a clinical Professor of neurology for the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University School of Medicine, stated that there are several theories as to why the incidence of suicide is higher in people who have suffered concussions, including behavioral dysregulation.
It is important for women to become aware of any symptoms they experience after a head injury. Many practitioners are unfamiliar with how TBI manifests; women are less likely to receive proper medical attention or support for their recovery. Therefore, it is important for women to be aware of any problems they experience following a head injury and notify their doctors of the symptoms they are experiencing. Any depression should also be noted and reported to loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Head injuries are a serious injury and should not be ignored. Our office recommends that people who have been in accidents that cause concussions do not ignore their injuries and monitor their symptoms. It is important to seek the treatment their physicians recommend and seek the professional help and advice needed.
Additional Resources
“Traumatic Brain Injury in Women Across the Lifespan” – ScienceDirect
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996122000043
What You’ll Learn: This article explores how hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life influence susceptibility to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and affect recovery outcomes.
“Menstrual Phase as Predictor of Outcome After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Women” – National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5237582
What You’ll Learn: This study examines how different phases of the menstrual cycle can predict the severity of post-concussive symptoms and cognitive decline in women following mild TBI.
“Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Suicide” – JAMA Network
Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2697009
What You’ll Learn: This research indicates that individuals with TBI have an increased risk of suicide, with the risk being notably higher shortly after the injury.
“Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center” – Emerson Health
Link: https://emersonhealth.org/locations/dr-robert-c-cantu-concussion-center
What You’ll Learn: Offers insight into Dr. Robert Cantu’s contributions to concussion research and care, including TBI treatment and risks associated with behavioral dysregulation.
