Making Headway.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has become the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, primarily due to the prevalence of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. Improved battlefield medical response has increased survival rates and facilitates a relatively quick return to duty and yet more exposure to bomb blasts. This has further increased the rate of TBI in the military.

Before leaving military service, soldiers are given questionnaires pertaining to possible TBI. The accuracy of the responses is in doubt due to the stigma of brain injury and the fact that symptoms may not be noticed until weeks, months, and even years after discharge. Symptoms may include degradation of eyesight, unusual mood swings, and loss of memory. It is important to note that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and TBI are closely associated and are often treated together.

Making Headway makes every effort to reach out to veterans of all eras. For more information regarding TBI in the military check out http://www.dvbic.org/.