After the Boom, the Complexity of Blast Induced TBI
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has become a major health concern in the US Army. Since October 2001, over 2.6 million service members have deployed in support of combat operations, where TBI, primarily caused by blast, has been underreported and underdiagnosed. The Department of Defense (DoD) reports that nearly 384,000 service members serving in the Global War on Terror have suffered a TBI, classifying eighty two percent as mild TBI (mTBI). Labeled an "invisible wound," mTBI has proven difficult to both prevent and diagnose. In addition, blast injuries further complicate mTBI diagnosis, adding to the problem's complexity. In this light, protecting soldiers from blast-induced TBI (bTBI) has attracted attention from the public, senior DoD officials, and the government. The DoD has funded studies to help medical professionals diagnose bTBI and help identify its associated effects in order to treat those injured and return them to service. As the Army races to test and field new equipment to better protect soldiers, diagnosing mTBI, especially those induced by blast, remains a problem for health professionals and the Army at large. Thus, further research is needed that will spark new strategies to help alleviate blast-induced brain injuries and their ramifications in soldier's lives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1083431
Entities
People
- Gregory J. Hirschey