Invisible Bleeding: The Command Team's Role in the Identification, Understanding, and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Abstract
The Marine Corps has ignored a leadership imperative of taking care of wounded warriors with undiagnosed and untreated Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Command teams must leverage the existing programs and infrastructure while demonstrating a thorough knowledge and understanding of these injuries, and their respective treatments, along with meaningful command action in order to improve resiliency. TBI and PTSD are the "invisible" wounds that, along with amputations, have become the signature wounds of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. TBI and PTSD are insidious injuries that continue to haunt wounded warriors and units throughout the Marine Corps. TBI and PTSD present significant challenges to the wounded warrior, the medical community, the command team and the unit. Despite advances in medical research and treatment, patient throughout and the duration of intensive care continue to pose challenges to the Marine Corps. Additionally, Marine Corps command teams struggle with the issues surrounding these devastating injuries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA601712
Entities
People
- Douglas R. Cullins
Organizations
- Marine Corps University