Often called one of the “invisible wounds of war,” traumatic
brain injury, or TBI, is the result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts
the normal function of the brain. Anyone can suffer a TBI, it can happen on the
sports field, in your home, or on the job.
During March, the Military Health System is focusing its
talent and efforts on the issue of TBI. We will provide tools and resources to
educate service members, their families, retirees and Department of Defense
civilians about the prevention and treatment of TBI, while highlighting ongoing
MHS research and breakthroughs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
each year 1.7 million people are diagnosed with a brain injury. The most common
form of TBI, even for the military, is mild TBI (also referred to as a
concussion) and the vast majority occur at home.
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reported that
from 2000-2014, more than 313,000 service members were diagnosed with TBI and
most of these were mild.
MHS research has produced several breakthroughs that improve
the lives of our patients, beneficiaries, and all Americans who sustain TBIs.
The MHS’ work is even examining the impact of TBIs on college athletes. The
NCAA and the DOD are currently sponsoring the “Mind Matters Challenge,” a
landmark initiative to enhance the safety of student-athletes and service
members. The partnership is the most comprehensive study of concussion and head
impact exposure ever conducted.
For TBI patients, TRICARE covers rehabilitative services
provided by physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational
therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The DOD offers a variety of
products such as clinical recommendations, tool kits, and mobile applications
to assist health care providers in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of
patients with mild TBI.
One of the most important steps in TBI treatment is rest,
which allows the brain to physically and mentally recover, and removes the risk
of suffering another concussion while the brain is healing. Early diagnosis of
TBI, as well as evaluation, and treatment can shorten return-to-duty time and
lead to the best possible outcome for those entrusted to our care.
Along with our partnerships and cutting-edge research, MHS
is making great progress in improving and prolonging the quality of life for
those living with TBI.