Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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 2016 to 2025, there were 2,412 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2025, there were 262 TBI-related deaths, which was a 2% decrease from 267 deaths in 2024. 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
Resources
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 Reports
Traumatic Brain Injury Report, 2026
From 2016 to 2025, there were 2,412 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2025 alone, there were 262 TBI-related deaths, which was a 2% decrease from 267 deaths in 2024.
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.