A scoping review on the essential role of global neurotrauma in achieving the sustainable development goals

Background Neurotrauma represents a significant global health burden with profound socioeconomic and public health implications. Beyond its clinical dimension, neurotrauma intersects with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), influencing outcomes related to health, equity, infrastructure, and innovation. Objective This scoping review aimed to map and categorize existing evidence on the relationship between neurotrauma and the SDGs following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and to identify areas of mutual reinforcement and unmet needs. Methods We conducted structured database searches in five electronic databases, supplemented by manual screening and a review of grey literature. Eighty-nine studies published between 2015 and 2025 were analyzed and grouped into six domains associated with the SDGs: neurotrauma care and outcomes, coverage and infrastructure, training and education, innovation and technology, international collaboration and assistance and neurotrauma prevention. Results The review suggests that neurotrauma care and prevention may contribute to the advancement of multiple SDGs, notably through improved patient outcomes (Goal 3), enhanced access to emergency systems (Goals 9 and 11), technological innovation (Goals 5 and 9), and the strengthening of international partnerships (Goal 17). Persistent disparities in access, research capacity, and data infrastructure were identified, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusion This review maps evidence suggesting that strengthening global neurotrauma systems may support equitable progress toward the SDGs. Most identified SDG–neurotrauma linkages represent system-level inferences rather than directly measured causal effects. Future efforts should focus on equity-driven strategies, scaling collaborative models, and integrating neurotrauma indicators into global development frameworks.