Injury-Specific Correlates of Combat-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Abstract
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become more prevalent during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The aim of this study was to elucidate injury-specific correlates of combat-related TBI that have yet to be clearly defined. Patients: US service members injured in Iraq between March 2004 and April 2008 were identified from clinical records completed in the theater of combat operations (n = 2074). Main Outcome Measures: Severity of TBI was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Injury-specific factors, such as injury mechanism and type, were abstracted from the clinical records and were compared by severity of TBI. Results: Of all TBIs in the sample, 90% were mild. Higher severity of TBI was associated with a greater proportion of gunshot wounds and lower frequency of helmet use. Improvised explosive devices were responsible for a preponderance of mild TBIs, and frequency of other injury locations was highest among those with moderate TBI. Concomitant injuries to the spine/back were associated with blast injury mechanisms. Conclusions: Combat veterans with TBI often sustain multiple injuries, though profiles differ by severity of TBI. Further research is needed to determine effects of combat-related TBI on rehabilitative and adverse health outcomes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA562263
Entities
People
- Amber L. Dougherty
- Andrew J. MacGregor
- Michael R. Galarneau
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center