Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury. A TBI is a major cause of death and disability and can lead to short- or long-term health problems. TBIs affect the lives of people of all ages. From 2015 to 2024, there were 2,364 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2024, there were 267 TBI-related deaths, which was an 11% increase from 241 deaths in 2023. There are numerous things to do to help prevent getting a TBI:
- Buckle Up Every Ride – Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Choose a sports program that enforces rules for safety and avoids drills and plays that increase the risk for head impacts.
- Wear a helmet, or appropriate headgear, when you or your children:
- Ride a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or use an all-terrain vehicle;
- Play a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing;
- Use in-line skates or ride a skateboard;
- Bat and run bases in baseball or softball;
- Ride a horse; or
- Ski or snowboard.
- Prevent older adult falls
- Make living and play areas safer for children
Traumatic Brain Injury Report, 2025
State Resources:
- Brain Injury Alliance of South Dakota
- Caregiver Education and Resources - Department of Human Services
- South Dakota Brain Injury Support Groups
National Resources:
Traumatic Brain Injury Report, 2025
From 2015 to 2024, there were 2,364 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2024, there were 267 TBI-related deaths, which was an 11% increase from 241 deaths in 2023.
Traumatic Brain Injury Report, 2024
From 2014 to 2023, there were 2,279 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2023, there were 241 TBI-related deaths, which was a 32% increase from 182 deaths in 2014, see Figure 1. South Dakota had the 9th highest age-adjusted TBI-related death rate in 2022. The age-adjusted rate for South Dakota in 2022 was 26.4 per 100,000, and the United States rate was 19.2 per 100,000.
Traumatic Brain Injury Report, 2023
From 2013 to 2022, there were 2,212 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2022, there were 262 TBI-related deaths, which was a 51% increase from 174 deaths in 2013, see Figure 1. South Dakota had the 12th highest age-adjusted TBI-related death rate in 2021. The age-adjusted rate for South Dakota in 2021 was 25.9 per 100,000 and the United States rate was 19.5 per 100,000.