Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 15, Number 10, December 2008
Abstract
In the U.S. Military Health System (MHS), traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as "traumatically induced structural injury and/or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of an external force that is indicated by new onset or worsening of at least one of the following clinical signs, immediately following the event: any period of loss of or decreased level of consciousness; any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury; any alteration in mental state at the time of the injury (confusion, disorientation, slowed thinking, etc.); neurological deficits (weakness, loss of balance, change in vision, praxis, paresis/ plegia, sensory loss, aphasia, etc.) that may or may not be transient; intracranial lesion." Regardless of the setting or circumstances, TBIs cause significant morbidity and disability among military members. Outside of combat operations, TBIs are most often related to land transport accidents, falls, assaults, and recreational injuries. During recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, TBIs have been relatively frequent but potentially under ascertained combat-related injuries. Regardless of their causes, TBIs can have significant acute and long-term clinical effects - with consequences for both the Military Health System and the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. For surveillance purposes, several ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes are considered indicators of TBIs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA495040
Entities
People
- Ellen Wertheimer
- John Brundage
- Mark V Rubertone
- Robert F. DeFraites
- Steven K. Tobler
- Tracy S. Duvernoy
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center