Title: MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (Theater)
1MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURYANDPOST TRAUMATIC
STRESS DISORDER(Theater)
- Battlemind Training System Office
- U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School
UNCLASSIFIED
2BRIEFING OUTLINE
PURPOSE To provide information on the effects
of mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic
stress disorder.
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Post Combat Stress
- Soldier and Leader Actions
3What is mTBI?
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
- Type of concussion
- Results from a blow to the head
- Does NOT result in obvious physical injury (you
cant see it)
4mTBI Video
5mTBI Not Just Combat Related
6QUESTIONS on Concussions?
- Summary
- May be caused by
- blast/explosions, motor vehicle crashes, falls or
any direct blow to the head - You don't have to be knocked out to have a mTBI.
- You may be dazed, confused, or had your "bell
rung" - If you are knocked out it is for less than 30
minutes - Most common symptoms after mTBI
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Memory problems
- Irritability
7What is Post Combat Stress?
- Post Combat Stress
- Long term reactions to combat and operational
exposure - Can impact quality of life
- Can result in a diagnosis of Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder
8What to Look For?
Physical Behavioral Emotional
Fatigue Chest Pain Weakness Sleep Problems Nightmares Breathing Difficulty Muscle Tremors Profuse Sweating Pounding Heart Headaches Withdrawal Restlessness Emotional Outbursts Suspicion Paranoia Loss of Interest Alcohol Consumption Substance Abuse Anxiety or Panic Guilt Fear Denial Irritability Depression Intense Anger Agitation Apprehension
List not all inclusive
9(No Transcript)
10(No Transcript)
11Flashback Example
PDHRA Battlemind Video
12Nightmare Example
PDHRA Battlemind Video
13Who is at Risk?
14Concussion vs Post Combat Stress
Concussion Common Symptoms Post Combat Stress
Physical Injury Immediate Symptom Presentation Generally improve quickly with time BOTH ARE TREATABLE!! Emotional Reaction to Traumatic Event(s) Delayed Symptom Presentation May require long term assistance
15Soldier Actions
- All Soldiers
- Check in with yourself and your buddies to see
how you are doing and handling the stress - Make time for yourself and your buddies
- Be honest about how combat / operational stress
has affected you - Communicate needs to Leaders
- nobody needs to go it alone.
16Leader Actions
- mTBI (Concussions)
- Ensure that Soldiers who may have had Concussion
are medically evaluated as soon as possible after
the injury - Post Combat Stress
- Support and reinforce treatment and recovery
- If your gut tells you a Soldier needs help, get
help - Good Health is essential for mission success!!
17Soldier as Leader
- Conduct Individual Risk Assessment
- Lead By Example
- You are the key link to make the difference!
18Soldier Support
PDHRA Battlemind Video
19Assistance for Soldiers and Families
- The Army has established numerous ways for
Soldiers and Families to get help for mental
health issues - Unit - Chaplain / Leadership / Buddy
- Post - Troop Medical Clinic
- Mental/Behavioral Health Services
- Off-post Mental Health professional
20Assistance for Soldiers and Families
- Military One Source
- 1-800-342-9647
- www.militaryonesource.com
- Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Health Care 1-877-222-8387
- PTSD Information Line (802) 296-6300
21(No Transcript)
22Summary
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Post Combat Stress PTSD
- Soldier and Leader Actions
- Assistance Resources for Soldiers Families
23QUESTIONS?