Be a Brain Warrior
By Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE)
Summary: Active duty and reserve service members are at increased risk for sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to their civilian peers. This is a result of several factors, including the specific demographics of the military; in general, young men between the ages of 18 to 24 are at greatest risk for TBI. Service members and veterans with TBI are a unique population because they experience circumstances that may further complicate their medical readiness for return to duty or to daily activities. These circumstances include multiple deployments, prolonged periods of stress, chronic pain, and separation from family and friends.
The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (LINK) is committed to raising awareness about traumatic brain injuries and empowering service members, veterans, families, and caregivers to “Be a Brain Warrior: Protect, Treat, Optimize. (LINK)”
Be A Brain Warrior
As a part of the Military Health System’s Defense Health Agency (LINK), TBICoE unifies a system of TBI health care, reliably advancing the science for the warfighter, and ready to meet future brain health challenges. It is the principal organization to lead, translate, and advance brain health.
By understanding how most TBIs occur, learning ways to protect yourself, and seeking care when an injury occurs, we can all contribute to lessening the impact of TBI for a healthier and more resilient community.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a blow or jolt to the head, or exposure to an external force such as a blast wave, that disrupts the normal function of the brain. It can also result from a sudden increase or decrease in speed, even if the head doesn’t strike anything.
TBI severity ranges from mild TBI, also known as concussion, to more severe and penetrating injuries. According to the DOD Worldwide TBI Numbers report (LINK), of the service members who have been diagnosed with a first time TBI since 2000, 81.9%, have been diagnosed with a mild TBI.
Some Common Causes of TBI
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Military training exercises
- Sports and recreational activities
- Accidental or intentional discharge of weapons
- Impact with objects
If you suspect that you have a TBI, seek help from a health care provider as soon as possible.
Protect Yourself and Others
Being a “Brain Warrior” starts with education and prevention. Service members, veterans, military spouses, and kids—you’re a powerful force. Now that you understand some common causes, learn how you can prevent injury.
- Always wear proper protective gear, such as motorcycle and sport-specific helmets.
- Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in motor vehicles.
- Prevent falls by improving lighting around the home and clearing trip hazards like clutter or loose rugs.
- Follow policy guidance during training exercises.
Know When to Seek Care
When it comes to TBI, the signs can be subtle and may not appear immediately. The symptoms you might experience can last for days, weeks, or longer. No one should return to vigorous physical activity after any type of brain injury, even a concussion, without approval from their health care provider.
It’s everyone’s duty to understand TBI and tell your families, line leaders, and health care providers when you think you have been injured.
Signs and symptoms (LINK) may include:
- Headache or a sensation of pressure in the head—the most common symptom
- Loss of or alteration of consciousness
- Blurred eyesight or other vision problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness, feeling off-balance or a spinning sensation
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
The Impact of TBI
Most service members who sustain a mild TBI return to full duty within 10 to 14 days through rest and a progressive return to activity process led by a health care provider. Further treatment may be needed if physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms persist.
Operational Consequences of Not Seeking Medical Help
- Poor marksmanship
- Slower reaction time
- Decreased concentration
- Decreased situational awareness
- Difficulty performing quickly under pressure
- Difficulty multitasking
Leaders play an important role in optimizing warfighter brain health after TBI. The “Warfighter Brain Health After TBI: Guidance For Leaders (LINK)” fact sheet provides guidance on leaders’ responsibilities to ensure service member readiness after an injury event.
Impact on Families and Caregivers
Caregivers are integral members of the recovery care team. They are spouses, family members, or friends and can often experience significant emotional, physical, and financial stress associated with caregiving. Finding resources and building a support network of family, friends, providers, and the military community can help caregivers manage.
“Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans (LINK)” is a comprehensive resource for caregivers and family members.
Resources from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence
The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence is a vital resource for the military and veteran communities as well as military medical providers. They offer:
- Guidance (LINK) for military leaders
- Service member, family, and caregiver resources (LINK).
- Clinical tools (LINK) and provider training (LINK)backed by research.
By improving awareness, we hope to help prevent TBI and create a supportive environment for those who are injured. Brain injury awareness is an opportunity to honor the resilience of our community and commit to protecting and healing the brain.
For more information about TBI, visit the TBICoE web pages at health.mil/TBICoE (LINK). To learn more about brain injury awareness, visit health.mil/BIA (LINK). Follow TBICoE on Facebook at facebook.com/TBICoEpage.
#BIA #BeABrainWarrior #GlobalSOF #TraumaticBrainInjury #TBIResources #MilitaryHealth
Article written by TBICoE
Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE) unifies a system of TBI health care, reliably advancing the science for the warfighter, and ready to meet future brain health challenges. To accomplish the mission, TBICoE supports, trains and monitors service members, veterans, family members and providers who have been, or care for those who are affected by traumatic brain injury.
TBICoE is available to provide education and training on clinical tools and patient resources from prevention to recovery. Contact TBICoE Dissemination by emailing dha.TBICoEDissemination@health.mil.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, or any other U.S. government agency. For more information, please contact dha.TBICOEinfo@health.mil. UNCLASSIFIED
