Traumatic brain injury can change lives in a matter of only seconds. Beyond the immediate medical challenges, many survivors face long-term financial and employment setbacks.

A recent national study explored the financial impact of brain trauma on Canadian tax filers, shedding light on just how costly these injuries are—not only for individuals and their families but also for the Canadian economy.

The Study

Researchers examined the records of over 18,000 adult Canadians with traumatic brain injuries between 2007 and 2017, tracking their income and employment status for three years after the injury. By comparing these survivors to people without brain injuries, the study captured a picture of how these injuries disrupt lives.

One of the study’s most significant findings is the sharp income loss that survivors of brain injuries experience. In the first year after injury, the average income loss was CAD $7,635 (about USD $5,650). By the third year, this income gap persisted, averaging a loss of CAD $5,000 (USD $3,700) per year for survivors compared to their uninjured counterparts. This loss often compounds, making it difficult to regain financial stability.

The unemployment rate among survivors also rose sharply. Each year, around 7.8% of survivors found themselves unemployed—a significantly higher rate than their pre-injury employment levels. The study revealed a clear trend: the more severe the brain injury, the higher the economic toll. Three years after injury:

  • Those with mild injuries saw income losses of CAD $3,354 (USD $2,482) and an increase in unemployment of 5.8%.
  • For moderate injuries, income dropped by CAD $6,750 (USD $4,995), with unemployment rising 9.2%.
  • Survivors of severe brain injuries faced the steepest losses, with a CAD $17,375 (USD $12,859) drop in income and a 20% increase in unemployment.

When all of these individual losses are combined, the cost is staggering. The study estimated that over ten years, labor market losses related to traumatic brain injuries have cost Canada CAD $588 million (USD $435 million).

Overall, the study emphasizes the profound financial challenges that ripple through families and even affect the national economy. It underscores the importance of developing more robust healthcare policies and support systems. By helping these individuals rejoin the workforce, a country can reduce economic strain and support recovery.

About the scientific paper:

Published: JAMA Surgery. October 2024. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery
First author: Armaan Malhotra, Canada