Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), caused by a jolt or blow to the head, or penetrating injury, such as a gunshot wound, is a significant burden for patients and society as a whole.¹

• Approximately 2.5 million people suffer a TBI each year²
• 50,000 TBIs result in death each year²
• 80,000 TBIs result in permanent disability each year²

Certain individuals are more prone to experiencing TBIs than others, like those who participate in high-risk sports and activities, such as football, horseback riding, and motorcycling. Others with high-risk careers experience higher rates of TBI, like military servicemembers, first responders, and construction and manufacturing workers.²

New research, diagnostics, and treatments are offering hope to people living with the long-term effects of TBI.

Improving Our Understanding of How TBI Affects The Brain

Researchers are exploring how TBI affects neurons in the brain with the hope of identifying new treatment targets. A recent study looked at the role of astrocytes, a type of central nervous system glial cell, that has pro-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects after a brain injury. Researchers theorize that the healing capabilities of astrocytes could be enhanced to improve cellular response and aid healing.³

Advancing Diagnostic Accuracy Through Improved Classification

The proper diagnosis of a TBI after an injury is critical to ensuring patients receive prompt and adequate care from medical professionals. A new classification system called CBI-M, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), uses clinical assessments, biomarkers, brain scans, and other information, such as cause of injury and an individual’s medical history, to characterize brain injuries. While more research is needed before the framework can be adopted into clinical practice, it’s a step toward improving diagnoses, which can result in better treatment.⁴

Improving Treatments for Common Forms of TBI

Light therapy shows promise as a treatment for TBI, and researchers are exploring how this drug-free intervention could reduce symptoms in people living with the effects of mild TBI or concussion. With light therapy, specialized photons interact with cytochrome c oxidase in cells, improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Past studies have demonstrated that light therapy can promote the development of new blood vessels and neural tissue. Though more research is needed, this type of light therapy has been used to treat other medical conditions, such as aiding wound healing.⁵

TBI is a major cause of death and disability, affecting millions of adults and children worldwide. New interest in the area, focusing on advancing diagnostics and treatments, has the potential to improve the lives of people living with chronic symptoms.

1. https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
2. https://traumaticbraininjury.com/what-is-traumatic-brain-injury/
3. https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/traumatic-brain-injury-research/
4. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/news-events/directors-messages/all-directors-messages/new-framework-classifying-traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-could-transform-patient-care
5. https://medicine.utah.edu/neurology/news/2025/12/shining-new-light-treatment-traumatic-brain-injury