TBI Research and Programs

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing TBI, there are programs that may reduce the burden of TBI among Americans. CDC focuses on preventing TBIs before they happen and reducing the chance for disability and other potential effects among those who sustain a TBI. With these goals in mind, CDC conducts surveillance and uses science-based strategies to save lives and reduce the long-term effects of TBI.

Surveillance and research to support data-driven solutions

Surveillance data are critical to help inform prevention strategies, identify modifiable risk and protective factors, and identify trends to let us know whether the problem is getting better or worse (and whether prevention efforts are working).

• Download CDC TBI data reports
• Learn about the National Concussion Surveillance System
• Read TBI research published by CDC

Strategies to prevent TBIs before they happen

CDC has several efforts underway to protect people from TBI by focusing on prevention efforts for the most common ways people get TBIs: falls, firearm-related suicide, motor vehicle crashes, and assaults.

• Falls among older adults
• Suicide prevention
• Firearm-related injury
• Motor vehicle safety
• Assault and other violence prevention

Promoting awareness to protect children from TBI

CDC’s HEADS UP initiative includes educational trainings and materials that were created to protect children by raising awareness and informing action to improve prevention, recognition, and response to concussion and other serious brain injuries.

• Check out the HEADS UP initiatives trainings and materials