From the Guidelines
Gender does not appear to play a significant role in determining outcomes after head injuries, and treatment approaches should be individualized based on specific injury characteristics, symptom presentation, and pre-existing conditions rather than gender. Research has shown that when controlling for injury severity, age, and other relevant factors, men and women generally experience similar recovery trajectories and long-term outcomes following traumatic brain injuries 1. While some studies have suggested minor differences in symptom presentation—with women sometimes reporting more post-concussive symptoms—these differences have not translated to meaningful variations in overall recovery or functional outcomes. The biological response to brain trauma involves similar inflammatory processes, neuronal damage, and repair mechanisms regardless of gender.
Some key points to consider in the management of head injuries include:
- Following standard protocols for neurological assessment, appropriate imaging, and monitoring for complications as needed 1
- Providing rehabilitation services tailored to the individual's specific needs and injury characteristics 1
- Focusing on early intervention, cognitive and physical rehabilitation, and gradual return to activities following head trauma 1
- Recognizing that both men and women can benefit equally from these approaches, and that gender should not be a primary factor in determining treatment strategies 1
It's essential to prioritize individualized care and evidence-based practices when managing head injuries, rather than relying on gender-based assumptions or generalizations. By doing so, healthcare providers can optimize outcomes and improve quality of life for patients with head injuries, regardless of their gender.
From the Research
Head Injury Outcomes Based on Gender
- The relationship between gender and head injury outcomes is complex, with some studies suggesting differences in outcomes between males and females 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2023 found that sex had a significant effect on early mortality after severe traumatic brain injury, with males having a higher rate ratio than females 2.
- However, the same study found that gender had a more significant effect than sex on discharge location, with individuals expressing more "woman-like" characteristics having lower odds of being discharged to rehabilitation versus home 2.
- A systematic review published in 2021 found that the heterogeneity across studies limited any meaningful conclusions with respect to the role of sex and gender in traumatic brain injury outcomes, but observed that as gender equality ranking improved, differences between male and female participants in outcomes would diminish 3.
- Another study published in 2019 found that females reported greater overall symptoms than males after concussion, but examining individual symptoms or symptom clusters resulted in mixed findings between the sexes 4.
- A study published in 2009 found that female gender was independently associated with reduced mortality and decreased complications after traumatic brain injury, with perimenopausal and postmenopausal women showing improved survival compared to their male age-matched counterparts 5.
- A study published in 1996 explored the disruption of gender identity and gender role as a result of traumatic brain injury, finding that men expressed greater feelings of gender inadequacy postinjury than women and appeared to have greater difficulty resolving rites of passage and developmental issues 6.