What proportion of trauma-related deaths are due to head trauma?

• A. One quarter
• B. One third
• C. Half
• D. Two thirds

Answer: (B)

Head injuries are a major contributor to deaths after trauma because intracranial injuries can deteriorate quickly, leading to fatal brain swelling, hemorrhage, or herniation even when other injuries are under control. However, trauma deaths are spread across multiple injuries and systems, so while head trauma is a leading cause, it typically accounts for about one third of deaths. That’s why one third is the best estimate: it reflects its strong impact without implying it is the majority. The other options overstate or understate its share relative to typical trauma mortality patterns.