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People who survive a traumatic brain injury are three times more likely to die prematurely than the general population, often from suicide or fatal injuries, according to a study led by Dr Seena Fazel, Wellcome Trust senior research fellow in Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry. The study of 41 years' worth of Swedish medical records, published in JAMA Psychiatry, also found that TBI survivors were twice as likely to kill themselves (and 2.6 times as likely to die generally) before the age of 56 as unaffected siblings, who were included in the study to control for genetic factors and early upbringing. [The Guardian online, 16/01/2014, Haroon Siddique]

More than 900,000 people living in the UK have suffered similar injuries which typically arise from a fall, road traffic accident or the impact of a blunt object. The research found that even those that survive six months after the incident often have to contend with longer-term problems including depression and psychiatric disorders. In what is believed to be the largest study of its kind, researchers from Oxford University and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that one out of every 100 traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors died prematurely (before the age of 56). But the figure increased significantly among those with a history of psychiatric disorder.

Also:
Radio: Phil Gayle and Friends, BBC Radio Oxford
16/01/2014, 06:00, 06:41, 07:37
"An Oxford University study has found that patients who suffer traumatic brain injuries are three times more likely to die prematurely. It is suggested that this is because damage to the brain can alter judgment, making accidents more likely, and may affect mental health. Dr Seena Fazel, who led the study, is interviewed."

Brain injuries like Schumacher's can destroy lives –study
Reuters, 15/01/2014, Kate Kelland

Brain blow leaves life-long dangers
BBC News online, 16/01/2014, James Gallagher

Brain injuries can treble the risk of an early death
The Daily Telegraph, 16/01/2014, p.7

Schumacher will be ‘very different’
The Times, 16/01/2014, p.20, Tom Whipple

Brain injury ‘triples chance of premature death’
ITV News, 15/01/2014

Brain injury ‘triples death risk’
Sky News (Australia), 16/01/2014

Survivors of traumatic brain injuries more likely to die young
LA Times (USA), 15/01/2014, Alan Zarembo

Brain injury survivors three times as likely to die early
Global Post (USA), 16/01/2014, via AFP

Moderate to severe TBI linked to increased risk of early death
Stars and Stripes (USA), 15/01/2014, Matt Millham

Traumatic Brain Injury Raises Premature Death Risk
Huffington Post (USA), 15/01/2014, Amanda Chan

Brain injury survivors three times more likely to die early
Business Standard (India), 16/01/2014, via PTI

Brain injuries like Schumacher’s can destroy lives: Study
Times of India, 16/01/2014, via Reuters

Brain injuries like Schumacher's can destroy lives: Study
Deccan Chronicle (India), 16/01/2014, via Reuters

Swedish brain trauma survivors run suicide risk
The Local (Sweden), 16/01/2014, via AFP

If Schumacher survives, he will not be Schumacher – neurologist
Health24, 16/01/2014

TV: CBS News 16/01/2014, 14:50

"A study led by Dr Seena Fazel, Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry, finds that people who survive a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are three times more likely to die before the age of 56. They followed people who suffered a blow to the head leading to skull fracture, internal bleeding or prolonged unconsciousness. The most common causes of death were suicide and fatal injuries such as car accidents and falls. Parts of the brain responsible for decision-making and risk-taking may be damaged in some TBI patients."

TV: SVT (Swedish TV) 16/01/2014, 09:00

Clip includes interview with Niklas Långström, Swedish co-author at the Karolinska Institutet.

Brain injury survivors more likely to commit suicide Radio Sweden, 16/01/2014

Radio: JackFM 17/01/2014, 05:30

Brain Injuries May Raise Risk of Early Death HealthDay, 15/01/2014, Steven Reinberg

Head injuries like Michael Schumacher's triple risk of early death NDTV Sports (India), 17/01/2014, via IANS

Head injuries like Michael Schumacher's triple risk of early death Hindustan Times, 16/01/2014, via IANS

Brain injuries like Schumacher's can destroy lives: Study MSN News (India), 16/01/2014, via Reuters

Brain injuries like Michael Schumacher's can destroy lives: Study DNA India, via Reuters, 16/01/2014

Head injuries like Schumacher's triple risk of early death OneIndia, 16/01/2014

Head injury survivors likely to die early Japan Times, 16/01/2014, via AFP

Radio: Phil Gayle and Friends, BBC Radio Oxford 16/01/2014, 08:14

"Dr Seena Fazel from Oxford University explains the different long-lasting effects of head injuries."

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